English Deutsch Français Italiano Español Português 繁體中文 Bahasa Indonesia Tiếng Việt ภาษาไทย
All categories

I have four children and my husband has left us and is giving no child support at all. Can I use his credit cards to buy food and stuff for the kids? I haven't started a divorce yet. The cards are in his name, not mine - he's cancelled all our joint bank accounts and credit cards and left the country. What will happen if I do some balance transfers and try to survive from his credit? It's a desperate time, I have no money and the children need food. No money for divorce - I can't pay a lawyer. What can I do?

2007-03-05 13:56:07 · 34 answers · asked by woodnymph 1 in Family & Relationships Marriage & Divorce

34 answers

Unfortunately, if you did, he could report the cards stolen and you would be in legal trouble.

2007-03-05 13:59:49 · answer #1 · answered by fly guy 4 · 1 1

As his wife, I don't think you will be in that much trouble. The issue is you said" he canceled the accounts and the credit cards" so maybe you have the cards but they are no good...so instead of putting yourself in a bad situation, call the 800- number on the back of the card and find out if there is any credit on those cards, if there is ...I would leave the kids with someone or at home...then I will go grocery shopping, that will last for a couple of months, make sure to buy stuff that will not spoil. Keep the receipt, if push comes to shove, you are his wife, and those are his children and you bought food, no cigarettes or alcohol....

If the legal system finds you guilty for feeding your kids with your husbands/.and their Dad's credit card, I think it will be a real problem.....

Buy a lot, as you might not get another chance at it. if you call and he has no credit then you don't have to go through any drama.....

Good luck lady, I am sorry you are in this situation.

2007-03-13 02:45:08 · answer #2 · answered by Ariana 4 · 0 0

Ouch......He may have cancelled those too. Try your local churches.......might be able to help with the food situation. If you are in a community property state, should not get into trouble as you are still married. At least, he left the kids. A burden now but it is something you can make it through. Might have to rely on charity though. Do not feel bad that's what it is for......helping those in need. A divorce can be done through legal aid, look in the phone book. Also, go to the local human resource office leave the kids home if your able. There is also WIC if the kids are young enough. Do what you can to survive....its after all his kids too!

2007-03-13 09:20:57 · answer #3 · answered by REBELLYNN 5 · 0 0

You can't use his credit cards if he's cancelled them. It sounds as though you need to talk to someone at the bank where your husband & you had your joint accounts, etc. As for feeding your family right now, don't you have family & friends that could help you with groceries, etc.? You would be smart to check into getting Medicaid for yourself & your children. If you qualify, that will also entitle you to Food Stamps as well, each month. As for not being able to pay a lawyer, ask around & see if one is out there to help people such as you & your situation. Don't be too proud to ask for help. Does your city or town have a Food Pantry? If so, please do what you have to do to take part in the food dispersement. Help is out there, just ask for it. Good luck to you!!!

2007-03-13 09:09:17 · answer #4 · answered by Shortstuff13 7 · 0 0

I dont think you can legally do this hon. Sorry. You may have to apply for some yourself and get some help that way. Why has he abandoned you and left the country on you. Do you even know where he is? go to social services and apply for food stamps and help from them ASAP. Go to legal aide for a divorce lawyer and file asap for abandonment. Also if some of your kids are young enough you may be entitled to WIC as well. Ask you family and friends for help if need be as well and also call a local church as they may be able to help you with food and clothing for you and the kids. You may also want to try applying for a small loan as well as this may help for the time being even though you will have to pay it back. Also try getting a job to start supporting yourself and your kids . You are a single mom now and you need to do all you can to take care of them. Hugs to you today. Also try going to http://www.drphil.com and email him for help in this matter and I am sure he will do all he can to help you and your kids. Call your local courthouse and see if using his credit card is legal or not as i do not want you going to jail over this. Try applying for credit cards of your own in your name and this may work. Good luck to you and your children and you are in my thoughts and my prayers.

2007-03-05 14:02:48 · answer #5 · answered by Lady Hewitt 6 · 1 0

im not sure what country you are in, but in the united states, there is legal aid and they can help you with getting an attorney to proceed with a divorce. also, while things may be tight and you want to use the credit cards, why get in trouble over it? go apply for emergency food stamps.

2007-03-12 04:44:41 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

My advice is to NOT use his credit cards. I see this as a way of him baiting you into using them so he can press charges for fraud. I don't know the underlying reasons why he left but this will definitely not help you in the least. You will have to utilize community resources to obtain your basic necessities and if you are able to, find a job. This will help you begin to get on your feet.

Best of luck!

2007-03-13 14:54:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

You are still married and if your last name is the same you would be able to use the credit cards if you live in a community property state.

2007-03-13 06:22:28 · answer #8 · answered by 女性ウルバリン 4 · 0 0

If your name is not on the account and you are not an authorized user, then it’s illegal (even if you're married). Unfortunately, “I was desperate” is not a defense. The repercussions are that you’ll have to repay the money, maybe go to court and then have legal fees, court cost, fines, etc. That is not going to help you or your children.

Seek help from family, friends, local churches, food banks, welfare, legal aid, etc. There is help out there, but you have to look for it. Pick up the phone tomorrow and start making calls.

2007-03-05 14:23:58 · answer #9 · answered by kp 7 · 1 1

I would imagine if the credit cards are in his name alone it would be illegal to use them, also remember it is possible any debts he leaves behind you may be responsible for if they are unable to recover it from him.

You need to find your local legal aid, social or welfare worker, and someone like Salvation Army, in order to find your way out of this mess, and you need to do it yesterday, do not delay a moment.

I hope this helped a little and wish you all the best, stay strong.

2007-03-05 14:06:20 · answer #10 · answered by Rational Thought 3 · 2 0

i work for a credit card bank we have a law that is call the united states privacy act if you are a authorized buyer on the acct you may use them and he is responsible however to keep you with your children if you are not on the acct do not use you could end up losing everything and go to jail

2007-03-12 16:35:43 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

fedest.com, questions and answers