How to Prevent a Spouse From Accessing a Joint Bank Account
Unfortunately, when going through something as a divorce, money can become a major sticking point. Both parties are on a joint bank account and each has access to the available money. Emotions can become involved so the money isn't guaranteed to be there for the other spouse. Perhaps though it's not even a divorce that would require you to deny your spouse access to the joint bank account. Maybe they have a gambling or alcohol addiction and you just need to keep them from enabling their addiction.
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Instructions
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Contact your bank directly and find out their procedure for closing a joint bank account, or removing your spouse from the joint bank account. Since each bank has their own rules regarding closing joint accounts or removing someone from the account, you will need to contact them directly so you know your options. Sometimes you can close the account without your spouse present but some banks require your spouse to be there as well. Again, this varies depending on each bank.
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Transfer or withdraw any money from the joint bank account you are trying to restrict your spouse from having access to. As long as their name is on the account, they have a right to access the money.
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Go to the bank and ask to close the joint account or remove your spouse's name from the account. If you have to close the joint account you will have the option to open an account in just your name if you wish.
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References
- Photo Credit check book image by Rob Hill from Fotolia.com
