Iowa Divorce

[Iowagirl4444]

My parents are getting divorced after 35 years of marriage (Iowa). My mother has been having an affair for 3 years and has left to be with him already. My mother inherited quite a bit of money about 3 years ago. She put all of it in her name.
Should my dad open a separate checking account to deposit his paychecks from now on (now that they are logistically separated)? Does he have any legal claim to the inheritance? Does the fact that my mother has been having an affair (with a minister - pretty despicable!) affect the divorce settlement?
Any opinions would be appreciated.

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

1. My mother inherited quite a bit of money about 3 years ago. She put all of it in her name. Does he have any legal claim to the inheritance?

ANSWER: No, your father has no claims on the inheritance money. Gifts of money or anything left to one spouse via Will is considered the separate property of the receiving spouse.


2. Should my dad open a separate checking account to deposit his paychecks from now on (now that they are logistically separated)?

ANSWER: Sure, why not ? It will all be divided up anyway, whether or not he does so, because his income is a marital asset. The only advantage to do this, however, is to keep her from draining the joint accounts until the divorce is final.


3. Does the fact that my mother has been having an affair (with a minister - pretty despicable!) affect the divorce settlement?


ANSWER: No.

IAAL