I know this is kinda dumb...but I really don't know!

DH and I finally have a joint account - I was added to his account right before he left, so I can pay bills.

Well, right now, all I can do is go and get money out to pay them - I don't have my card yet, and obviously no checks.

DH has his checkbook with him, I did find his box of checks. I also want to get checks with both our names on them.

Now, can I use the checks with his name? I don't think I can, since my name isn't on the checks, but I don't know? If I get some checks expidited here, what happens if he writes checks with his checkbook, and I write them with "my" checks (which would have both our names)? And then, when he gets back, if we have our checks, what happens if he wants to keep a checkbook with him (because he likes using checks for things), and I have one for writing checks (which I rarely do). Like, how to do the check numbers add up or not add up?

I'm totally lost here. I only write checks usually for medical bills, which I have here in my pile of things to pay, and with him gone, I'll have to write checks for a lot of his things.

GAH!! Suggestions??

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I don't know how that would work out. It is easier to keep track of checks coming in when the numbers are in order. I pay all my bills online. Except lot rent, but they let me use the check card for that. I never even ordered checks, although I know I should, at least for emergencies.
Right now the checking account is only in my name, for certain reasons. He usually just carries cash.

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No, you can not write checks if they don't have your name on them. When you get a new box of checks with both your names on them you can each have your own checks. As long as you are not writting checks with the same check # you will be all set. Does that make sense?

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Let us be silent that we may hear the whisper of God. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Yeah, we've had separate accounts up until last week when we found out he was leaving, and I needed to be able to access his account to pay bills and have money, so this is the first time I've really had a joint account that we both used (had one with my ex-husband, but it was just his name on it, he never used it).

What a pain!

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So since I know he has checks that are under the number 730 (because I have 730 and up in this box), I can get checks for over 730, and use those, and when he gets home, I can use like the 730-759, and he takes and uses the 760-789, and just alternate books or something? As long as we keep track of what checks are written (I like having the duplicates for that reason).

I did set up the online banking so I can keep track of things that way.

Thanks a ton!

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I hate to say this.....can't you just sign his name? I mean if it's close enough, no one really checks anyway.....

Yes, as long as you don't each write a check with the same # that is fine.

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Let us be silent that we may hear the whisper of God. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

When DH and I finally got around to doing the joint checking thing... just last year after having seperate for 3+ years, we ordered our checks using a number that was at least 100 above what DH's checks said (we were using his acct to pay most of our bills). For example if his box had checks that ended with 759, then when I ordered our joint ones I started them with 900.

DH and I sometimes have to use seperate checkbooks, I also have the duplicate checks and the online banking and that helps a ton when balancing the checkbook if DH forgets that he wrote a check.

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My Dh had A Checking account in only his Name - He Used it for Buisness expenses etc.
We Decided to Make that bank our main Bank & he added my name to the account.
Well He has 400 checks left In only his Name.


I Use them everywhere and Sign my name With No Problems. I Have been doing this For about 3 months Now.

As Far as using Checks in Numeretical Order.
I Have Used the Wrong Box before.
Instead of Going From 401 to 402 - I Went To 602.

The main thing that Matters is that the Checking account has Funds in it to Cover The check.


As Long as People get their Money , They don't ask too Many questions!

Actually, you CAN sign the checks yourself if the account is joint. The only problem would be if it was disputed w/the bank for non-authorized signer, and that's not going to happen. The biggest challenge is getting a store to take it. They won't usually take the time to call your bank to verify that you are authorized and have the right to turn you down. However, paying bills with it probably won't be questioned.

The other choice is to get some "counter" checks. However, because they aren't actually imprinted and meant to be temporary, stores will be leery of them, too, and often have policies against counter checks.

Yes, you can order them directly from the bank with both your names or from places like Artistic Checks. They have a database they tie into to verify the info from the banks (it's so easy with today's technology).

Be sure that you both keep an accurate register, and it's best to go through a reconciliation every night. If you keep up on it, it shouldn't take long. DH and I agree that the non-bill paying person has to let the other know before they spend over $50 or $100, depending on finances.

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