Going through divorce and wife has taken all the money from the bank. Anybody have experience with this? What to do?

SPC Ryan Su — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 21:20:54 -0500

I recently just got out of the military Now I'm going through divorce,came home today she took all my money.is there anything I can do.just want to find out if anybody going through this kind of situation before?

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Feb 1 at 2015 9:27 PM

LTC Yinon Weiss — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 21:27:16 -0500

Unfortunately, this is something I have seen time and time again. There are things you can do in the future (for your next relationship), like keeping certain assets separate.

For now, your attorney should be able to make a claim for the assets and send a formal letter to her and her attorney indicating what assets you claimed were in the account. When the final divorce settlement is decided on in court, hopefully the assets she has already transferred will be taken into account.

You should also start protecting your other assets, if you haven't done so already. Anything she has her name on, she can try to sell, including your car.

Note: I'm not a lawyer, so make sure you review this with your attorney. If you don't have one, get one ASAP.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2015 10:20 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Feb 2015 22:20:47 -0500

For starters, I would immediately open a new account and have your direct deposit sent there.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Feb 4 at 2015 4:04 PM

TSgt Kevin Buccola — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 16:04:13 -0500

Sorry to hear this - i hate to see anyone go through this - with that being said been there. Open another account - redirect your deposit to it - do not add anyone...Do you have a Power of Attorney with her? if you do then cancel it. If you are the primary on credit cards (joint accounts) then close them - Run your credit report. Divorce Decrees are only a piece of paper that ends a marriage - they do nothing on the financial side.

You do have financial responsibilities until it is finalized - Remember this she is entitled to a percentage of whatever military entitlements you have unless you put it in your divorce decree saying that she gets nothing.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 10:39 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 22:39:25 -0500

I'm so sorry you have to deal with it. Be strong brother

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Feb 9 at 2015 12:12 AM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 00:12:50 -0500

SPC Ryan Su, I would seek a lawyer first and get some counseling on finance .

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 8:22 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 08:22:56 -0500

I haven't experienced it myself, but I have seen it happening. Like many of the posters stated, seek legal advice from an attorney immediately.

It depends on how long you have been married, what state you are in, what state you got married in, how many kids you have, how many kids you will have custody, what kind of custody for each kid, and so on.

If you are retiring any time soon and have been married for more than several years, I hope you aren't expecting to live off your pension.

For the future. try to separate your asset and maintain only a joint account for a joint venture purpose only. Sign a prenup agreement before you get married. When you draw up POA, be very specific on the power and duration of time. However, be aware that you are considered domestic partners after living together for certain amount of time in some states.

Again, I am not providing any legal advice, just spreading watercooler rumor.

Response by PFC Tuan Trang made May 10 at 2015 8:12 AM

PFC Tuan Trang — Sun, 10 May 2015 08:12:49 -0400

Is all about trust when it come to marriage, but this sistuation it look out of hand, If she took the money, i think you can file a dispute with usaa.