No Joint Bank Account - Need Advice

[the_waiting_game 5]

Hello VJ Members,

I desperately need some insight on this one. I am almost ready to send my I-751 packet but my concern is we currently do not have a joint bank account. We did have one before but we had to close. My US citizen husband was laid off few years back and since then had been behind in paying his alimony to his ex-wife. She was able to get a court order to seize his bank account. My husband is currently self-employed (to put it mildly) and our main source of income comes from my wages. I opened a new account just under my name. I have the letter when our old joint account was debited. I also have notices from IRS and State Tax office of our tax returns used to pay his alimony since 2013. I know it is awful since they've been divorced since 1999 and separated years before the divorce. I can explain the situation on our cover letter but I don't like to make it look like we are avoiding his obligation. But I am not obligated to pay his alimony. Will not having a joint bank account have a great impact in the removal of my condition? I appreciate your thoughts.

Here are the evidences I have:

1. Joint Tax Returns

2. Medical and Dental Insurance

3. Child's Birth Certificate

4. Stamped Envelope from School District addressed to both of us

5. Joint Utility Bills

6. Joint Credit Card Bill

Thanks in advance!

[Anh map 2,098]

A joint account is just one piece of evidence. A short note explaining why wouldn't hurt. No need to supply all the other things you listed re: alimony. Life happens.

How about drivers licenses showing a shared address? Wills? A few family photos? Auto titles / loans?

[the_waiting_game 5]

Thanks! I'm also apprehensive about sending them. His driver's license is suspended until payment is up-to-date. But I can use his non-driver ID and some recent pictures. Thanks again!

[kris&me 572]

On the alimony part, it is usually only for 4 years, unless he is way behind, it may be worth your while to check with an attorney and get this stopped

child support lasts till child is 18 and sometimes past if child is handicapped or in college

[Ortolan 381]

You can also get living wills that you can download from your state website, for each other, signed and notarized. Include those.

[the_waiting_game 5]

On the alimony part, it is usually only for 4 years, unless he is way behind, it may be worth your while to check with an attorney and get this stopped

child support lasts till child is 18 and sometimes past if child is handicapped or in college

Not in our state. Alimony is based on your divorce decree. It isn't child support. Their children are 31 and 28 years old. He is about 2 years behind his payments.

But my focus is the removal of conditions. Any insight?

You can also get living wills that you can download from your state website, for each other, signed and notarized. Include those.

We can do that. Thank you!

[dmck 80]

Don't worry, I have a super crazy ex-wife. We don't have joint accounts on purpose and for the same reason so she can't attach or attack a joint income. We have several other things that are joint, car, credit card, bills, etc. and it is fine.

[andy78 178]

In addition to the evidence suggested above, here are my suggestions:

- Letters showing same address: bills, invoices, bank letters, W2 forms, earning statements from employers, etc.

- Photos showing wedding, husband and wife in different places, travels, friends, etc.

- Tickets showing that you traveled together.

[the_waiting_game 5]

Don't worry, I have a super crazy ex-wife. We don't have joint accounts on purpose and for the same reason so she can't attach or attack a joint income. We have several other things that are joint, car, credit card, bills, etc. and it is fine.

Thanks! (sigh of relief) Yes, we do have other joint accounts, bills, insurance, etc. Did you try to explain why you don't have a joint bank account?