Finances- need advice!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-06-2008
Finances- need advice!
2
Sat, 06-07-2008 - 5:56pm

My husband left about six weeks ago, saying he wanted a separation because we're "incompatible"- this is after 6.5 years of being together, 2.5 of that married. Very out of the blue, he never indicated he was unhappy w/ the relationship or suggested counseling. I'm a grad student and have a full time unpaid internship this summer. My student loans only cover living expenses for the academic year, so basically I have no source of income other than his paychecks until August.

Within the last 24 hours, my husband closed our credit card and withdrew several thousand dollars from our joint checking account, all without telling me first. He didn't leave enough to cover rent or living expenses even for this month. He also came and took the car without telling me (we only have one car and had agreed that I would use it because I have an internship and he's not working this summer).

I went and opened my own checking account today and applied for a credit card... is there anything else I can do? Should I go get a private student loan to cover my expenses this summer? Should I consider quitting my internship and getting a paid job? And down the road when we go through mediation or divorce proceedings, is the way he's acting going to be taken into account (are there negative consequences for a spouse who does this during separation)?

I am so overwhelmed... I have to find a new place to live because our lease expires in August, now I have no car to go look at apartments or to get to my internship. Thanks for any advice.

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-19-2001
Sat, 06-07-2008 - 6:36pm

First thing you need to do is get a lawyer!


I don't know your whole marital financial situation but he will probably have to pay you some type of spousal support even if it is only temporary.


My stbx left but has continued paying the mortgage plus my medical insurance.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-06-2008
Sat, 06-07-2008 - 9:14pm

Thanks buckeyegold! I left messages with two lawyers to set up consultations on Monday. I guess what I am wondering is what my rights are during the separation, before the legal stuff starts and our money gets divided (50/50 because California is a community property state). I'd hope that I can get spousal support through the summer at least- I am just concerned about what happens between now and then.

Geez, this sucks enough without the money worries.