Dealing with a Legal Challenge? Don't wait. Ask your legal question for free. Urgent legal matters require immediate attention!

Why did my spouse freeze our joint bank account during our divorce in Atlanta, and what can I do?

This legal question related to Divorce attorneys in AtlantaGeorgia has been answered.

Advertisements
Location: Atlanta  |  Law type: Divorce attorneys
Solved

Can they just freeze our account without telling me?

So here's the deal. Me and my soon to be ex are in the middle of a messy divorce in Atlanta, and outta nowhere, I can't access our joint bank account. I got direct deposit from my job, and now I can't pay bills or even get groceries. Ain't that some kind of illegal?

What's the law say about this in Georgia?

I thought we're supposed to split everything 50/50, right? But now, I'm locked out and I've got a feeling that my spouse did this on purpose. They're pretty spiteful and have been threatening to leave me with nothing since we started this whole divorce thing.

How do I get my money?

I'm freaking out 'cause I need to pay for stuff and I don't got access to any of my funds. What's my move here? Can I call the bank or do I need a lawyer for this? I don't got a lot of cash on hand to even pay a lawyer if that's what it takes.

  • Call the bank to see what's going on?
  • Get a lawyer ASAP?
  • Any way to get emergency access to my funds?

What if they spend all the money?

I'm also worried if they can just spend all our money before the divorce is finalized. We got like a decent amount saved up and I can't afford to lose half of it. What can I do to protect my share?

  • How to stop them from spending?
  • Can I get that money back if they spend it?
  • What proof do I need to show it was spent unfairly?

Just looking for some advice on what steps I should take. This ain't fair and I need to figure out my options quick. Thanks, y'all.

Commonly posted questions...

I have a lawyer extremely compacted soon to be husband I need a top notch attorney that knows the Salem probate court and my soon to be husband and his side kick Robert Lockwood please I need help!!!
8 months 2 weeks ago, Divorce attorneys, Danvers
Image of a professional and serene office setting of a family law attorney, with a large desk covered with legal books, documents, a laptop and a family photograph. The room should have a warm color scheme, with wooden furniture, a bookshelf filled with law books, a comfortable chair, and diplomas on the wall. The second image should depict a calm consultation room in a law firm, with a round table, comfortable chairs for clients and attorney, a window with a view of Austin, Texas, and shelves with legal re How much trouble am I in for cashing out retirement early during divorce in Austin, Texas?
1 year ago, Divorce attorneys, Austin

Legal Solution

The response provided below is specific to Divorce attorneys in the jurisdiction of Atlanta. If the response is inadequate, please submit a detailed inquiry.

Freezing Joint Bank Account During Divorce in Atlanta

During the course of a divorce in Atlanta, it's not uncommon for one spouse to attempt to restrict the other's access to joint financial assets. This is often done to preserve the status quo and prevent the dissipation of marital funds. In Georgia, the courts aim for an equitable distribution of assets, which does not always mean a strict 50/50 split, but rather what is fair considering the circumstances of the case.

Relevant Georgia Laws and Resources

  • O.C.G.A § 19-5-7 - Governs alimony and equitable division of property in divorce cases.
  • O.C.G.A § 19-6-19 - Pertains to the modification of alimony.
  • O.C.G.A § 15-19-51 - Discusses the rights and duties of attorneys in representing clients in domestic relations actions.

For a comprehensive understanding of relevant laws and resources, you may visit the Official Code of Georgia which provides access to the state statutes.

Immediate Steps to Address the Frozen Bank Account

  1. Contact the Bank: Your first step should be to reach out to the bank to ascertain the exact reason your account has been frozen. There might be a court order or other legal action that you are not aware of.

  2. Retain a Lawyer: If it turns out that your spouse has indeed frozen the account, you should find the right lawyer who specializes in family law immediately to discuss your options.

  3. Temporary Orders: Your attorney can help you file for temporary orders from the court, which could grant you access to funds for living expenses during the divorce proceedings.

  4. Injunction: To prevent your spouse from spending marital assets, your lawyer can file for an injunction or restraining order to prohibit either party from depleting any bank accounts.

Legal Fees and Costs in Atlanta

Here's a table reflecting the average costs for legal services related to family law in Atlanta:

Service Average Cost in Atlanta % Difference from National Average
Initial Consultation $250-$350 5%
Retainer for Divorce Lawyer $3,500-$10,000 10%
Filing for Temporary Orders $500-$700 -2%
Full Legal Representation for Divorce $15,000-$30,000 15%
Injunction or Restraining Order Filing $1,000-$2,000 8%

The fees can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the case. Atlanta's cost of living and competitive legal market often result in higher legal fees compared to the national average.

Complexity of Divorce Cases

Divorce cases can be complex due to the emotional nature of the proceedings, the necessity to adhere to legal formalities, and the requirement to divide assets fairly. Here are three case studies:

  1. High-Asset Divorce: Involves complex financial portfolios. Solution: Engage financial analysts and divorce lawyers with expertise in high-net-worth cases.

  2. Divorce with Business Ownership: Requires accurate valuation of the business. Solution: Collaboration between divorce attorneys and business valuation experts.

  3. Contested Custody: Both parties cannot agree on parenting arrangements. Solution: Family lawyers and mediators can assist in negotiating a parenting plan.

Questions for Further Assessment

  1. Have you received any official documentation or court orders regarding the freezing of your bank account?

  2. Do you have an inventory of all marital assets and liabilities?

  3. What are your immediate financial needs for living expenses, and do you have any alternative sources of funds?

These questions are essential to assess the legality of the account freeze, understand the complete financial landscape of the marriage, and determine immediate financial requirements.

Common Questions Regarding Divorce and Joint Accounts in Atlanta

Q1: Can my spouse legally freeze our joint bank account without my consent?

Generally, either party can freeze a joint account, but it often requires a court order to do so without the other party's consent. It's meant to protect assets until a fair division is determined by the court.

Q2: What can I do if my spouse is threatening to leave me with nothing?

You should seek immediate legal assistance. A lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure an equitable division of assets.

Q3: How can I get emergency funds if I'm locked out of our joint account?

Your attorney can file for temporary spousal support to provide you with funds for necessities during the divorce process.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It's always recommended to consult with a local attorney about your specific situation.

Written, answered, changed

Legal question "Why did my spouse freeze our joint bank account during our divorce in Atlanta, and what can I do?" has been changed 1 year ago. Demonstrate your legal skills and willingness to help and answer right now! Issue is related to the location of Atlanta & area of law: Divorce attorneys.
Latest reviews & rating
Can't believe there are no comments (answers) yet? You can be the first author. Let us know what you think and answer this question.. Write a comment
Create two different realistic wide images that reflect a legal consultation scenario involving a joint bank account dispute during a divorce. The images should depict a professional and serious atmosphere, suitable for use in legal advice settings, without being caricatures. The images should convey a sense of resolving financial disagreements, possibly showing one person reviewing legal documents or a mediator in a discussion with a separating couple. Ensure the colors are realistic and convey a neutral,
Create two different realistic wide images that reflect a legal consultation scenario involving a joint bank account dispute during a divorce. The images should depict a professional and serious atmosphere, suitable for use in legal advice settings, without being caricatures. The images should convey a sense of resolving financial disagreements, possibly showing one person reviewing legal documents or a mediator in a discussion with a separating couple. Ensure the colors are realistic and convey a neutral, ...

Respond to legal question!

Do you know the answer to a legal question that is related to the field of law called Divorce attorneys? If you believe that you can advise the inquirer – in even the slightest way – do not hesitate and share your opinion in the comment section. This contribution concerns the location of Atlanta and, therefore, it is important to post only comments that are relevant to this location. Do you have a similar or a different legal inquiry? Select the correct category, fill in all the required fields, and submit your post.

accident & property damage attorneys accountants-certified public administrative & governmental law... admiralty & maritime law attorneys adoption law attorneys adoption services attorneys antitrust law attorneys appellate practice attorneys arbitration & mediation attorneys arbitration services asbestos & chemical law attorneys automobile accident attorneys bankruptcy law attorneys bankruptcy services business litigation attorneys child custody attorneys child support collections civil litigation & trial law attorneys collection agencies collection law attorneys commercial law attorneys construction law attorneys consumer law attorneys contract law attorneys copying & duplicating service corporation & partnership law attorneys credit & debt counseling Criminal defense attorney disability services discrimination & civil rights law... divorce assistance divorce attorneys domestic violence attorneys drug charges attorneys dui & dwi attorneys employment discrimination attorneys family law attorneys federal law attorneys financial services franchise law attorneys general practice attorneys government offices immigration law attorneys insurance attorneys international law attorneys labor & employment law attorneys medical law attorneys medical malpractice attorneys paralegals patent (intellectual property) personal injury law attorneys probate (estate planning) probate law attorneys sex offense attorneys sexual harassment attorneys tax attorneys trademark & copyright law traffic law attorneys trusts & estate planning... wrongful death attorneys

Are you having trouble finding a reliable and highly-rated attorney in your area of residence? Does the endless process of browsing and comparing law firms annoy you? If so, simply skip this step and post your request (or a general legal question) in our Free Legal Advice Center. Then wait for a reply from our experienced legal advisors, consultants or even your chosen lawyers. You can inquire about anything concerning your case, as well as questions about judicial issues in your state.

Comments: answer this question

"Why did my spouse freeze our joint bank account during our divorce in Atlanta, and what can I do?"

Atlanta Divorce attorneys

The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.
About text formats
I agree with Terms & Privacy Policy
Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
Get new captcha!

Similar legal questions...

© 2016 explorelawyers.com