When to close joint bank account?!

[Fourmagpies]

I'm probably overthinking this. We both had our own personal accounts and transferred money for bills to joint account. I've stayed in the family home and if consent order is agreed (60/40 to me as STBXH can't have children overnight) will be staying here and taking on what is left of the mortgage and a loan we took out to do bathrooms. I've been transferring bills over to my account, except for the mortgage and loan as these are joint debts and solicitor advised STBXH should contribute to these if possible (currently, he has no income though, so not contributing anything, he's living off savings). Divorce application has only just gone in, so we're about six months away from everything being sorted. When is the best time to either close the joint account or change it to just my name? There are no savings in it, just enough for bills.

What has your solicitor advised?

I haven't asked her yet. I thought I'd ask mumsnetters first if they had an opinion. I need to email her about something else, so I will ask her.

Personally I'd be closing it ASAP - if things turn nasty, you could find as fast as you pop money in to the joint account to pay a bill, he can withdraw it before the bill is paid. Easier for him these days with text notifications.

Separating finances was one of the first things we did. We made an appointment at the bank and took a couple of pieces of ID. It avoided any issues with exDH having access to the money I put in for mortgage etc. Especially important in your case where your DH is not contributing and has no income at present.

Good points, thank you. I was worried it would be the wrong thing to do but I've printed off the form to change it to sole account holder. And asked them how I cancel the additional credit card which he has, as that debt would be mine if he decided to use it.