Can my husband lock me out of a business that we both own while we are going through a divorce?
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Can my husband lock me out of a business that we both own while we are going through a divorce?
My husband and I have not filed yet, but we own a business together. He has locked all books, checkbooks, etc. up so I cannot go into the business. My name is at stake and I need to continue working there. What do I do?
Asked on December 11, 2010 under Family Law, Texas
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
If you are each owners of the business and you don't have an agreement where he is the sole control person, then you need to file a temporary injunction motion preventing him from locking you out of the books or preventing you from helping to run the business. He cannot do so in order to hide assets, dissipate the business so that your bottom line at the end of the divorce and the divorce decree are harmed. Talk to your divorce lawyer; if you don't have one, get one who specializes in or has a lot of experience with couples who own businesses together. When a couple wishes to divorce and they also have their income tied into the marriage (via a common business), it can be difficult to think clearly without outside help.
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