Is it in my best interest to change my name over from joint accounts that include utilities, cable, etc. as long as I am the one living in the house? I am suppose to be receiving temperary spousal support, child support and temperary custody of children and home.
Is there an advantage to doing this? Any information would be kindly appreciated.
2007-03-02 07:57:40 · 6 answers · asked by Jennifer J 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Personal Finance
Well your "lis pending" order from the court should state who is paying for what. You can notify the utilities of the divorce (send them a copy of the temporary order) so that they have a starting point as to liability of charges. You and your spouse would be responsible for all past due accounts. You may have to give a new deposit on the utilities.
Now the home may be difficult. If you are buying the home, you will have to refinance in your name only (which depending upon your credit may be easy or extreamly difficult).
Consult your attorney, as a divorce does not superceed a pre-existing contract (mortage, leasing agreement, etc....)
2007-03-02 08:06:46 · answer #1 · answered by phantsoft 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer to this is a resounding YES! By allowing your future ex-spouse to remain on those accounts, he can continue to make changes.
For example the Cable Bill, I'd hate to see him order up 15 pay per view movies on your account and then leave you with the tab.
And if his name is still on the house note, GET IT OFF! My dear old dad made my mom sign off on her spousal support in order to keep him from forcing the sale of the house. Things to think about.
Best to get his name off everything and move on....
2007-03-02 08:09:52 · answer #2 · answered by Bezzlebubba 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My sister was told that as soon as she served him papers she should get everything into her own name concerning utilities, cable, etc.
She was also told to cancel joint accounts on credit cards and banks.
You should really discuss this with your lawyer because everyone's situation is different and might need different choices in what's best to do.
2007-03-02 08:55:03 · answer #3 · answered by parsonsel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you think your spouse will keep paying, then leave it in his name. It will look bad in court if you get cut off without proper notice. If you think he will stiff you, get them in your name. All joint bank accounts and credit crds, credit lines, and any other joint account that holds money should be closed immediately. Put the phone in your name unless you want him to see who you call. Write the credit agencies and have your account sealed. get your own credit cards, and raise the limits so that you have credit if it turns into an ugly divorce.
2007-03-02 08:08:36 · answer #4 · answered by crossbones668 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Put as much in your name as you can after the divorce he will be responsible for these bill if you have a good lawyer. But don't rake him too bad divorce cost a lot of money chip in where you can, show that you still have heart. Good luck.
2007-03-02 08:10:51 · answer #5 · answered by Johnny 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Best ask your attorney, there are all kinds of strange implications and they vary from state to state.
2007-03-02 08:03:09 · answer #6 · answered by Amy V 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋