Who Pays the Bills During Divorce Proceedings?
Studies have shown that going through a divorce can take a huge physical and mental toll on a person. Divorcees are more likely to have health-related issues including heart issues and depression.
A divorce can also present problems for a person’s financial situation, especially if they share joint finances with their soon-to-be ex-spouse. They might struggle to answer the question, “Who pays the bills during divorce proceedings?”
If you’re going through a divorce, you’ll want to answer this question first. It will prevent you from falling behind on your financial obligations during the divorce process.
If You and Your Partner Are on Good Terms
Recent surveys suggest about one-third of divorced couples describe their splits as “amicable.” If you and your partner are ending your marriage but are still on good terms, it should bode well for you when answering the question, “Who pays the bills during divorce proceedings?”
In this case, you and your partner should attempt to stick to the status quo and continue paying your bills just like you always have. If, for instance, you’ve traditionally used both your paychecks to cover household expenses, keep doing this.
Take this approach to paying:
- Mortgages
- Insurance premiums
- Utilities
- Car notes
- Grocery bills
- Daycare costs
Just confirm your partner is holding up their end of the bargain. Gain access to online accounts you share and check to see that they’re making payments.
If You and Your Partner Aren’t on Good Terms
While some couples keep things cordial during divorces, others end up on bad terms from the second they separate. This can complicate matters when answering the question, “Who pays the bills during divorce proceedings?”
If you and your partner are going through a contentious divorce, you shouldn’t simply trust them to continue to operate in good faith when it comes to paying the bills. You both need to sit down and come to an official agreement about who is in charge of paying which bills.
You might even want to secure a temporary order from a judge laying out how you’ll pay your bills. This order will reveal:
- How much income you and your partner make
- Which of you is responsible for paying which bills
- What will happen if one of you decides not to pay bills
A Word of Caution
Divorce often brings out the worst in people. This is especially true in divorce cases involving alimony and child support.
If you have the slightest inclination that your divorce proceedings might not go smoothly, work with a divorce attorney to create an agreement between you and your partner.
Contact Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., for Help With Complicated Divorce Issues
“Who pays the bills during divorce proceedings?” is just one of many questions you’ll encounter as you go through the divorce process. You might also have to work out issues as you divide your marital assets and take other important steps.
Karen Ann Ulmer, P.C., can speak with you about your situation and aim to make your divorce less stressful. Call 866-311-4783 to schedule a consultation.
