Before signing any paperwork, ask your lawyer if there are active ATROs or local rules preventing major purchases.
In states like California, if you buy a car using marital funds (like income earned during the marriage), it is considered community property. Even if you use "separate" money, your spouse's lawyer may challenge the source of those funds.
The primary risk is that anything purchased before the divorce is final—including a new vehicle—may be classified as . This could mean your spouse is legally entitled to up to 50% of the equity in that car. Key Legal & Financial Considerations
“Buying a Car During Divorce: You can buy a car during divorce, but it is considered marital property, and your spouse may have a claim to 50% of its equity.” Karp & Iancu
