No Letters With Both Names

[happyratty]

I have been in a relationship with my husband for coming up on 6 years. We have been married for that allotted 2 years(nearly) in The UK. He is British. I am American. I am on a Marriage Visa. I am currently trying to get everything together for my application for ILR. However I am worried about denial on a couple of points and was wanting advice or reassurance.

- We have done our finances in a funny way (well not funny for us) But instead of having a joint bank account we both have our own. I pay the phone bill and my husband pays all other bills (including food) and I then give him what we have financed as half the amount spent each month via a deposit in his account. I am afraid this looks dodgy as if we are a marriage of convenience. In hindsight I suppose we should have gotten a joint bank account. Does anyone know if this will count against me?

-Secondly stemming from this issue is that we have no bills with both our names on them. I know it says "if you do not have ENOUGH bills with both you names" But if we have none what can I do to supplement?

So basically I am panicking because I really cannot afford to pay again if I get denied on a lack of evidence charge. What else should I do for proof?

Thank you for your help,
Lilly (:

[Casa]

Submit at least double the required amount of documents in single names.
What about Council Tax, is that in single name?
The separate bank accounts shouldn't matter.
Have you passed the Life in the UK test?

[happyratty]

Unfortunatly council tax is just in his name because I moved here on a fiances visa I couldnt work so was listed on the tenancy agreement as an occupant and thus my husband just pays council tax in his name.

Do you think not having ANY jointly named letters will hurt my application?

I am taking the Life in the UK test 1 week today, but am fairly confident I have studied enough...

[Casa]

As long as you submit sufficients in single names you shouldn't have a problem. Are you intending to apply in person or by post?

[happyratty]

Im going to apply by mail. Is that bad? Do you think that I should apply in person??

[Casa]

No, I think you're right in sending by post. That way you'll get the opportunity to submit any additional documents if they need them....which they probably won't.
Cheaper too!