Chicago, IL asked in Divorce and Business Law for Illinois

Q: Separated, buying car, worst-case scenario in divorce, Illinois?

I am currently separated from my wife, and we live in different towns. We have separate bank accounts and assets. We do have a joint debt of $5,000 for Florida, which is only in my name, and I have been solely paying it. We haven't discussed any formal division of assets, but she has repeatedly mentioned that she'll take what's hers, and I'll take what's mine. I'm planning to buy a new car, which will be fully financed and solely paid by me. In Illinois, what is the worst-case scenario regarding the car if we end up divorcing after the purchase? Could she have any claim to the car, or will I keep it since it's financed and owned only by me?

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1 Lawyer Answer

A: All property acquired during the marriage is

Marital property. Wait until you get divorced to buy the car.

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