Is it necessary to add my wife to my accounts to prove valid marriage?

[Seanca 0]

Is it necessary to add my wife's name to all of my accounts to prove that our marriage is valid for AOS interview with USCIS?

I can't understand how it would prove that our marriage is valid. I've added my wife's name to our new house, on our joint account that hardly was used and on our all utility bills. We have separate checking accounts. I've always like the idea of having a separate account. Money is one of the main reasons why marriage couples argue. Suze Orman once said, take baby steps toward money together as a marriage couple. Money is so complicated that two people have different opinions on how to handle money.

My plan was to explain to USCIS that it's easier to maintenance separate accounts. So we can shop at the same time and buy what we need without having to borrow it from each other. Is it requirement for USCIS? Of course, I do trust my wife enough that I put her name on our new house together. If you have any similar situation, please share your stories or advises.

Thanks!

[Nancy2015 2]

There's no requirement to have a joint bank account, but it seems to be a very popular type of "evidence of bona fide marriage" and IO's like to see them. It's entirely up to you.

[ELW 5]

I agree completely with you and with Suze too! I've kept my separate checking account and hubby has a seperate account, then we have one joint account that we opened. Hopefully in the future, we will each contribute to that and pay bills through it (household and shared expenses), meanwhile keeping our own separate accounts for our own separate indulgences.

The evidence you have I would say is plenty. No need to explain anything at all, unless asked. Just answer what they ask and don't offer info. Most interviews are a breeze with not many questions or discussions. No need to worry or fret about it!

Edited September 20, 2007 by ELW

[Jasman0717 9]

No way am I putting Claudeth on my checking account

[*Maureen* 0]

It's not a requirement. It just adds to the pile of supporting evidence.

[RosemarieL 0]

When I was married before we both had our own checking accounts but they were both joint accounts so that either of us would have access in an emergency.

[athena_ny 1]

We have separate checking - well, mine has both our names on it but I'm the only one that uses it - and combined saving. I think combined saving would show more of a bona fide relationship than checking - checking will be gone anyway!

[misa 2]

Yeah, we keep things separated for the most part but opened a joint chequing account solely for USCIS purposes. We each throw in 1/2 for bills and rent as they come in and pay out of that. Every interviewer is different but all mine did was just circle our names on it and added it to our file. She didn't look at the balance or the transactions.