Can my husband's ex-wife come after my money?

Asked by: Irma Toy  |  Last update: May 18, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (48 votes)

No. You have no obligation to her. You might want to keep your finances separate just in case the ex-wife tries to renegotiate her alimony, but that seems incredibly unlikely.

Can my ex-wife go after my new spouse's income?

In general, the answer to your question is 'No -- your partner's ex cannot claim any money off you. Have a good read through the earlier comments and responses for more information.

Can my ex-wife take money from my new wife?

If you have a joint bank account with your new partner, your ex may be able to claim funds from it to cover your missed payments. Generally, if you keep your income and assets separate from your new partner, they are safe from your spousal support payments and legal obligations.

How can I protect my money from my ex wife?

10 ways to divorce-proof your assets and protect your wealth
  1. Consider a prenup (or a postnup): ...
  2. Document gifts and inheritances. ...
  3. Get your timing right if you do decide to leave. ...
  4. Don't knee-jerk liquidate. ...
  5. Review your estate plan. ...
  6. Avoid keeping everything in joint accounts. ...
  7. But don't hide assets.

Can my ex wife come after my inheritance?

No, inheritance isn't part of marital property and anything after divorce has nothing to do with the previous spouse.

Husband's Money Goes To Ex Wife

21 related questions found

Can a divorced wife claim husband's property after his death?

Can an Ex-Spouse Inherit From the Decedent's Estate? Once a divorce is finalized and assets have been divided between the former spouses, the ex-spouse will generally have no right to an inheritance from their ex-spouse's estate if their ex-spouse dies.

How do I protect my inheritance from my spouse?

Prenuptial and Postnuptial Agreements are the strongest way to protect your separate property from your spouse. Your separate estate and any potential inheritance, or gift, can be clearly defined in an agreement along with rights and responsibilities of both spouses in the event of a divorce.

What assets cannot be touched in divorce?

Separate property generally cannot be touched in a divorce., but there may be times when separate property turns into marital property, making it available for distribution.

Is my ex wife entitled to my money?

Remember, until they remarry and without a Consent Order, your ex-husband or wife may have a right to some of your future income, regardless of where this comes from. This is why putting a Financial Consent Order in place as soon as possible is vital in protecting your personal financial interests.

Can I empty my personal bank account before divorce?

Thus, you could empty the account without the other one's permission. However, anything you do that is out of the ordinary, such as depleting a bank account, will be scrutinized by the court particularly if it's done immediately before filing for divorce.

Can my husband's ex-wife get my money?

No. You have no obligation to her. You might want to keep your finances separate just in case the ex-wife tries to renegotiate her alimony, but that seems incredibly unlikely.

Is a new wife responsible for a husband's alimony?

The Impact of Remarriage on Alimony in California

As per California Family Code Section 4337, spousal support is automatically terminated when the spouse receiving the support remarries. This provision removes the need for a court hearing or additional legal processes to end alimony, streamlining the transition.

Can my ex wife take everything I own?

Most states use common law principles of equitable distribution when deciding who gets what following a divorce. This means that property acquired by one member of a married couple prior to marriage or as a gift or inheritance during the marriage remains their sole or non-marital property.

Can my ex wife take half my money?

In California, a wife is entitled to half of the marital assets and up to 40% of her spouse's income for child support, spousal support, and other terms of the divorce settlement. If you are going through a divorce, it is important to explore the entitlements a wife has and how the final settlements are determined.

Does my ex wife still get half of my retirement if she remarries?

Bottom Line. Getting remarried will not affect your accrued retirement or disability benefits under Social Security. However, if you receive divorce of survivor's benefits, there is a good chance that remarriage will affect those payments.

Can my ex wife take part of my Social Security?

Social Security benefits for a divorced spouse are calculated based on the ex-spouse's earnings record or their own earnings record, depending on which one is higher. You're entitled to half of your ex's benefits if you start collecting once you reach your full retirement age (FRA).

How do I protect my assets from my ex wife?

Case in point: a domestic asset protection trust, or DAPT, which can shield assets from both creditors and ex-spouses. A DAPT is an irrevocable trust—once you place assets in it, you can't take them back or revamp the trust itself.

Who suffers most financially in divorce?

How does divorce financially affect women? Generally, women suffer more financially than do men from divorce.

Can a husband keep money from his wife?

Withholding access to marital funds without cause may constitute financial abuse. This can be considered illegal, especially when used for control or punishment.

How do I protect my money in a divorce?

Here are some ways to keep separate assets in your name:
  1. Sign a prenup or postnup.
  2. Avoid putting all of your income in joint accounts.
  3. Don't commingle separate property (personal inheritances, gifts, or accounts) with marital funds.
  4. Consult an experienced attorney.

What assets Cannot be touched?

An intangible asset is a non-monetary asset that cannot be seen or touched. “Patents or goodwill are good examples,” says Florence Bessette, Business Advisor, BDC Advisory Services. Tangible assets are physical things.

What happens when a spouse hides money during a divorce?

In California, a spouse can be charged with perjury for failing to disclose all of his or her financial assets in the required financial disclosure documents. A perjury charge can carry up to four years of jail time. Additionally, there is a potential for being charged with fraud, which is a criminal act.

Can my husband come after my inheritance?

For this reason, based on the California inheritance law, an inheritance remains separate property of the individual whether they inherit before or after the marriage unless the inheritance is specifically left to both spouses or the family.

What is considered a large inheritance?

A large inheritance is generally an amount that is significantly larger than your typical yearly income. It varies from person to person. Inheriting $100,000 or more is often considered sizable. This sum of money is significant, and it's essential to manage it wisely to meet your financial goals.

What can cause you to lose your inheritance?

Will disputes.
  • The will is dated and does not reflect the decedent's wishes;
  • Circumstances have changed since the will was made (i.e. a remarriage or the birth of a child);
  • The decedent expressed different wishes verbally prior to death;
  • The decedent leaves property to someone other than their spouse;