During your divorce, you’ll need to make several adjustments – including adjustments to your home phone service (and possibly your cell phone service, as well). Your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer may suggest that you remove your name from the utility bills, or you may have to obtain new service in just your name.
Before you make any major changes, such as removing yourself from joint accounts, consult with your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer to make sure your timing is right.
About Your Home Phone Service
If you’ll be leaving your family home, your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer will likely advise you to remove your name from the account you and your spouse hold with the phone company. However, if your name is not on the account, you won’t need to do anything. Conversely, if your name is the only one on the account, but you will be leaving your home, ask your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer before disconnecting the service to be sure your spouse cannot use your actions against you in court.
About Your Cell Phone Service
Many married couples take advantage of cell phone companies’ “family” plans to save money. While this is extremely helpful during marriage, it can quickly become a nightmare during divorce.
Before you do anything, ask your attorney for advice; he or she may advise you to continue paying your spouse’s (or kids’) phone bills, disconnect the service entirely or simply remove yourself from the plan. Your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer will take your unique situation into account when he or she helps you develop your plan of action.
Most cell phone companies are willing to work with divorcing couples to provide the best solution for all parties (and to continue to receive your business after your divorce is final). After you’ve spoken to your attorney, notify your cellular provider that you’re going through a divorce and ask how they will be able to meet your needs.
What to Ask Your Chapel Hill Divorce Lawyer
You’ll have many discussions with your lawyer before you even file for divorce. It’s often helpful to create a list of questions on specific issues; be sure to ask your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer:
- Who is responsible for paying your telephone bills during your divorce if you and your spouse share an account?
- Do you need to remove your name from the home telephone account even if you do not intend to leave your home immediately?
- Who will pay your children’s cell phone bills during and after the divorce? What plan should you put into place to ensure your kids’ cell phones stay on if your spouse refuses to (or is unable to) pay the bill?
Keep Your Chapel Hill Divorce Lawyer Informed
Make sure that you keep your Chapel Hill divorce lawyer in the loop – especially if you change your telephone number. No matter what you do, your lawyer needs to be able to contact you throughout your divorce to keep you up-to-date on your case.
