although I am married, can I open a checking or savings account using only my maiden name?

I have been told that altho I have 2 checking accounts under my name only:first name, maiden name like middle name + husband's name listed last (not hyphenated) if a divorce occurs, the money would be part of the marital assests, subject to husband getting some of this money. If I can open an account under maiden name only, is that money subject to being counted as part of the marital assets? Or do I just hide cash in a shoe box??