Can I Stop My Husband from Withdrawing Money from Joint Accounts?

In a situation where you are concerned about your spouse withdrawing funds from a joint account, there are legal steps and actions you can take to protect your finances, especially if you're going through a divorce or separation.

Steps to Stop Your Husband from Withdrawing Money from Joint Accounts

1. Open a Separate Account:

As soon as possible, open your own individual bank account and begin transferring your personal funds into this account. This helps to separate your finances and prevents further withdrawals by your spouse from joint accounts.

2. Monitor the Joint Account:

Regularly monitor the joint account(s) for any unauthorized transactions. Many banks allow you to set up alerts or notifications for withdrawals, which can help you stay informed about any activity on the account.

3. Communicate with Your Spouse:

If possible, have a direct conversation with your spouse about your concerns. If you are separating or divorcing, it may be best to discuss how finances will be managed during this time and reach an agreement on limiting withdrawals from joint accounts.

4. Request the Bank to Limit Access:

You can contact your bank to request that certain measures be put in place, such as requiring both parties to sign for withdrawals or freezing the account until further notice. However, this can depend on the policies of the bank and the specifics of your relationship with your spouse.

5. Court Order or Legal Action:

If you fear that your spouse might take money from the joint account inappropriately or without your consent, you can ask the court for an emergency order to freeze the account or impose restrictions. This is common in divorce proceedings where one party may attempt to deplete marital assets. Temporary orders issued by the court can ensure that neither spouse can withdraw money from the joint accounts without both parties' consent.

6. Fraudulent Withdrawals and Legal Protection:

If you believe your spouse is withdrawing money fraudulently, you can take immediate legal action. Financial fraud, including unauthorized withdrawals, can be treated seriously by the courts, especially if there is evidence that one spouse is acting in bad faith.

Legal Considerations

• Consult a Lawyer: If you're concerned about protecting your finances, particularly in the event of divorce or separation, it is essential to consult a lawyer. They can help guide you through the process and ensure that your rights are protected, including advising you on how to handle joint accounts.
• Temporary Orders or Injunctions: If the divorce is ongoing, a lawyer can help you petition the court for a temporary order of protection that restricts your spouse’s access to joint assets, including bank accounts. This is especially important if you believe your spouse might attempt to hide assets or withdraw funds without your consent.

Example

Imagine that during a divorce, a wife notices that her husband is making large withdrawals from their joint checking account. To prevent further depletion of the funds, she immediately opens her own account, alerts the bank to the potential issue, and petitions the court for a temporary order to freeze the joint account while the divorce proceedings are underway. As part of the court’s order, both spouses are restricted from withdrawing any more money from the joint account without mutual consent. This ensures that the wife’s financial interests are protected during the process.

By taking these actions, you can ensure that your joint accounts are protected during a divorce or separation and that you maintain control over your finances.