I don't know the legal system, but I say, if its in your name its yours. I really don't think that could happen. I think if you have to pay spousal support or child support then that is a different story.

I don't know if the laws are different state to state but here if you open an account or take out a loan a letter is sent to the spouse to notify them. I would say just keep it in a safe place or with a family member.

Get someone you trust to open an account and give them the money so it can't be traced back

I agree with the above two, find someone you can trust to open the account or find a really good hiding place in the home that he wont find out about. You could open a po box at your post office and open a safety deposit box where you can keep the money, this way if anything from the bank is sent out it will go to the po box.

I would'nt think he could find out about the account, unless he have your SSI number, and bank statements come to your house and he sees them. If you trust some one enough you can change the address on the bank statement and have it going to a family member house or put your account in some one else name. But I don't think he could find out about the account with out your SSI number. Good luck and be careful.

My sister in law was in that exact situation. She gave it to me to put it in our safe so no one found out about it. After she left him and everything was said and done, she took it back and she is now supporting her four kids and starting to save up for their college. Give it to a family member you trust with your life, if they have a safe have them put it there or have them open a savings account in their name so it can't be traced. Accounts can be traced I believe and do you really want to take the chance? Find out the laws, see in your bank or a different bank can answer those questions.

Remember that you would have to declare any savings account in your name on your taxes. Depending on your state's laws, it may be divided up as communal property. If he's not working, then you'll need to pay alimony - and that just...sucks.

If you get a safety deposit box in your name, make sure he doesn't know about it. If he does find out about it, you can call the bank to ask them to freeze access to it, so that he can't grab your key and run off with your cash.

At the time of separation, you would have the right to take 50% of all joint accounts and put them into an account in your name (You'll definitely want to get some paperwork that says that you took exactly 50% of a joint account, and the date, at the time of separation: and have it notarized or something.). Because he is abusive, you might want to do this the day before you file for divorce, so that he can't call up all of his accounts to take you off - as a way to try and force your hand to stay with him.

You're going to want to take your name off them at that too, because if he starts racking up charges on joint accounts - you'll be responsible for half those charges. (Or more than half, if there is a significant alimony agreement in his favor)

We'll, this is an illegal aproach to a problem and you didnt hear this from me, but the only safe place is where noone can find it. Start buring coffee cans, and talk to no one especially lawers. But if the money is specifically for the divorce and not after divorce expenses then it should be fine.

I want to say thank you to all of you who have responded to my post. I wish you health and happiness.

what about savings bonds? Do you think you could take those out...with out him knowing or getting it?

My first marriage was a very abusive one. I finally got fed up and my sister pushed me to leave. Our childhood was filled with abuse and she said "enough is enough!" I was very lucky that I had relatives to go to. Have you any relatives you can go to?

Susie

I no in our state everything is 50-50 and i do no every state is different. I would put it in a safe place and just hide it somehow. It isn't worth taking a chance. I wish you luck and i hope everything works out for you.