Services in my name

[beefetr]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? IL

Are there any divorce repercussions for canceling services my wife uses like cell phone, cable, internet, electric) that are in my name only or canceling credit cards that are in my name only? Obviously, it won't make things more enjoyable, but we are beyond that now. Neither of us has filed for divorce so there are no court orders that apply. Just when we do end up in divorce court, will this come back and haunt me in any legal sense?

[Ohiogal]

Originally Posted by beefetr

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? IL

Are there any divorce repercussions for canceling services my wife uses like cell phone, cable, internet, electric) that are in my name only or canceling credit cards that are in my name only? Obviously, it won't make things more enjoyable, but we are beyond that now. Neither of us has filed for divorce so there are no court orders that apply. Just when we do end up in divorce court, will this come back and haunt me in any legal sense?

Are there children? But without court orders and if you have not filed then you can cancel things. The PHONE however can be tricky. Especially if there is a past history of DV or it might get to that place.

[mistoffolees]

Originally Posted by Ohiogal

Are there children? But without court orders and if you have not filed then you can cancel things. The PHONE however can be tricky. Especially if there is a past history of DV or it might get to that place.

I'd be very careful about canceling electric service.

[beefetr]

Originally Posted by Ohiogal

Are there children?.

No, and I have moved out of the house.

Originally Posted by Ohiogal

But without court orders and if you have not filed then you can cancel things. The PHONE however can be tricky. Especially if there is a past history of DV or it might get to that place.

No past history of DV (I assume domestic violence). Just a history of adultry. If I should be careful on the phone and electric, how do I get my name off those services so my wife just can't run up bills that I'm liable for?

[Zigner]

There is no divorce case filed/pending. Hubby can do what he wants... Wifey can pay for the services she uses.

[LdiJ]

Originally Posted by Zigner

There is no divorce case filed/pending. Hubby can do what he wants... Wifey can pay for the services she uses.

Although I agree, I would not recommend simply cancelling the phone or utilities. Eventually there is going to be a divorce and it could come back to haunt you.

Also, if there is no divorce, then a spouse has an obligation to provide support for the other spouse, and utilities in particular are a necessity.

It would be better to give the wife a weeks notice to either get the phone and utilities switched herself, or that you will be cancelling them.

[Zigner]

Originally Posted by LdiJ

Although I agree, I would not recommend simply cancelling the phone or utilities. Eventually there is going to be a divorce and it could come back to haunt you.

Also, if there is no divorce, then a spouse has an obligation to provide support for the other spouse, and utilities in particular are a necessity.

It would be better to give the wife a weeks notice to either get the phone and utilities switched herself, or that you will be cancelling them.

Electricity - I can see your point and agree.

Cell phone - nope. Not a utility or even a necessity
Ditto for the internet and cable service.

[mistoffolees]

Originally Posted by Zigner

Electricity - I can see your point and agree.

Cell phone - nope. Not a utility or even a necessity
Ditto for the internet and cable service.

That was my point - I would be very careful about canceling the electricity. Ideally, tell her she has a week to transfer it into her name, but she may not be able to do that if she doesn't have a job.

Internet and cable shouldn't be a problem. Similarly, he should immediately cancel any credit cards in both names and take her name off of any cards in his own name.