Joint bank accounts remain accessible to both parties until they are formally closed or frozen. Either party can legally withdraw funds from a joint account. In practice, most separating couples either agree to split the balance and close the account, or one party withdraws their share and opens an individual account. If you are concerned about your ex emptying a joint account, contact your bank to discuss options - some banks can convert a joint account to require both signatures for withdrawals.
Open an individual bank account as soon as possible and redirect your salary to it. Agree with your ex on how joint account funds will be handled - ideally in writing. If you have a joint offset account linked to your mortgage, be aware that withdrawing funds increases the interest-bearing balance on the loan, costing both parties more.
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