Deception at Home: The Sham Divorce Agreement
When Matrimony Becomes a Mask: The Ex-Wife’s Story Behind the Settlement
A motion filed in Miami-Dade Circuit Court has brought forward significant allegations against Andrea D’Alessio Jr., whose ex-wife, Shannon D’Alessio, is seeking to vacate their marital settlement agreement and subsequent divorce judgment. The filing asserts that Andrea engaged in an extensive effort to conceal marital assets, misrepresent financial information, and mislead both the court and his former spouse.
The allegations remain unproven, and Andrea D’Alessio is entitled to due process. However, the claims—spanning real estate, trusts, income, and sworn statements—have placed renewed attention on the financial history surrounding the couple’s 2021 divorce.
Claims of Financial Misrepresentation
Shannon’s filing describes Andrea as a “sophisticated businessman” who allegedly controlled and manipulated the couple’s financial information throughout the marriage. According to the motion, while Shannon served as a homemaker raising their five children, Andrea was managing accounts, properties, and corporate assets.
The motion contends that Andrea presented an inaccurate picture of his financial status during the divorce, omitting substantial marital assets from his sworn disclosures.
Key allegations from the filing include:
Key allegations from the filing include:
- Marital Residence Omitted:
Andrea allegedly failed to list the marital home on his financial affidavit, instead reporting a $2.3 million mortgage tied to what he claimed was a third-party trust with no connection to him. Shannon now asserts the trust structure was misrepresented and that Andrea later sold the home, retaining the proceeds personally. - Hidden Trusts:
The motion states that Andrea did not disclose multiple trusts valued at over $1 million, which were allegedly placed in other individuals’ names to avoid inclusion in the marital estate. - Undisclosed Bonus:
Shannon alleges Andrea earned a significant annual bonus during the marriage and asked his employer to delay payment until the divorce was finalized. She claims he did not disclose the bonus as an asset or contingent entitlement. - Unreported Accounts:
Andrea reportedly submitted sworn financial documents showing no bank accounts, despite listing $150,000 in stocks and bonds. Shannon argues that bank records necessary to hold or transfer such investments were not disclosed. - Unspecified Debts:
The affidavit reportedly referenced debts owed to unnamed third parties, though no such liabilities were detailed.
The filing asserts that these alleged omissions resulted in a settlement based on incomplete and misleading information.
A Rapid Divorce Process Under Scrutiny
According to Shannon’s motion, the couple’s divorce unfolded quickly:
- Both parties filed financial affidavits and supporting documents on March 12, 2021.
- A Final Judgment was entered five days later.
- No formal discovery was conducted.
Shannon argues that the expedited timeline enabled Andrea to submit incomplete disclosures without undergoing the typical scrutiny associated with discovery or evidentiary review.
She is now asking the court to vacate both the marital settlement and the judgment, alleging fraud in the inducement and concealment of marital assets. She is also seeking attorney’s fees, citing what she characterizes as financial misconduct and an abuse of the judicial process.
Broader Pattern Alleged
While the motion specifically addresses financial issues within the marriage, it notes that Andrea D’Alessio is a defendant in two separate civil lawsuits, each involving allegations of fraud and financial misrepresentation tied to construction and development ventures.
Shannon argues that the concerns raised in her motion mirror behaviors alleged in those unrelated cases.
Potential Implications
If the court determines that financial misrepresentations occurred, the consequences could include:
- Reopening of property distribution
- Negation of the original settlement terms
- Further financial accounting requirements
- Potential sanctions or legal liability related to sworn statements
No findings have been made, and the matter remains under judicial review.
Context
The allegations highlight the complex intersection between marital dissolution, financial transparency, and the legal obligations associated with sworn affidavits. Florida courts treat nondisclosure of assets as a serious issue, particularly when it affects the fairness of settlements involving long-term marriages and dependent spouses.
The motion portrays the dispute not as a routine disagreement over property division but as a case involving alleged misrepresentations that, if true, could have significantly altered the divorce outcome.