Location: North Carolina
I’m leaving my husband. Our relationship has been pretty bad for the majority of it. Recently I found out he was cheating and that was the last straw for me. I’ve been looking for an apartment and I opened a bank account that I’m putting half of my paycheck in. The other half goes to our joint account for bills, until i move. My husband says that if I move out I’ll still be responsible for bills in the house we currently live in. Is this true? Do i need to get a lawyer before we even separate? Please help!
Comments
Get an attorney asap. Don’t listen to him on what he thinks is the truth.
If your name is on any of the leases or mortgage, then yes, you would be responsible. Him reminding you may be an attempt to financially manipulate you. Definitely contact a lawyer. You can get out with some good planning on your part.
>My husband says that if I move out I’ll still be responsible for bills in the house we currently live in.
You will still be on the hook for any bills your name is on. Any contractual obligations you have don’t end just because you’re separated from your husband.
Other bills can be sorted out as part of the divorce.
If both names are on the bills, then you will still be responsible for them.
If your name is on the lease or mortgage you’ll still be legally responsible for rent or mortgage payments. If a bill is in his name only, then you won’t be responsible for those bills.
North Carolina is an equitable distribution state which means debt taking on during the marriage can be divided by the court. It doesn’t have to be an even 50/50 split though. Bills with both names would be included in this.
If you plan to ask for alimony or if you own your home, you should probably have an attorney representing your interests.
You do need a lawyer or at least a consult but eventually a lawyer. You might or might not be responsible for bills there. Typically they don’t advise you to move out but I’m unsure in this case what they’ll say