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Can you buy a car during a divorce filing in Illinois?

My future ex-husband and I both have separate cars, but I want to purchase a new one. Can I do so before the divorce is official? What will be the legal and financial implications?

avatar
Sophie Newman · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Cars in a marriage are considered community property even if the
vehicle is registered
 in your name. If you decide to
buy a new car
, keep in mind that if you invest equity in the vehicle, it will be considered marital property until the time of divorce.
For example, if you invest $5,000 worth of equity, you will owe your future ex-spouse $2,500 when the divorce is finalized.
If you need a new vehicle right away, you might consider leasing in the meantime. You won’t invest any new equity, so you won’t have to split the value of a new car with your ex later on.
Divorces can be messy, especially when it comes to shared property and accounts. Another thing to be mindful of is dividing your
Illinois car insurance
 policy (if you haven’t already).
Getting your own policy doesn’t have to be stressful. Leave the hard work to
Jerry
. Jerry will compare rates to find the best deal, cancel your old policy, and review your policy every six months.
MORE:
How to Get Right Side Up (And Out) of an Upside Down Car Loan
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