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as Mr. Barber described, “putting water on the biggest fire.”
They were often behind on their bills. Nevertheless, at the time
of their divorce in 1998, petitioner and Mr. Barber had
accumulated $8,015.19 in equity in their home. Both petitioner
and Mr. Barber participated in managing the family’s finances by
discussing which bills were due, which would be paid, which would
wait, and what their spending limits were.
Petitioner described her marriage to Mr. Barber as an
abusive relationship. Police were called to the couple’s
residence during arguments in 1994 and 1995. However, petitioner
never filed any charges on these incidents. Petitioner was not
allowed to have her own checking account, but, as described
later, she had access to a checking account. Petitioner also
stated that, toward the end of their marriage, she was not
allowed to drive a car. Mr. Barber disputed the characterization
of their relationship as abusive but admitted to arguments
between them. He admitted illegal drug use and accused
petitioner of the same behavior.
Petitioner provided occasional unpaid assistance to Mr.
Barber in his painting and paperhanging business (the business).
She was expected to keep expense records for the business;
however, the task proved difficult because Mr. Barber did not
keep close track of his receipts and taking care of their son was
demanding. Sometimes Mr. Barber gave petitioner checks from his
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