Marriage is complicated. In its purest form, marriage is about bringing two people together into a single new family unit. Although there are many good things about bringing people together, bringing debt into a relationship is not one of them.
I am often asked by one person if the debts of their spouse (or soon to be spouse) can somehow become their responsibility. Luckily the answer is no. A debt in the name of one person does not automatically become the responsibility of another simply because of marriage.
Despite this fact, it is still important to be careful regarding joint property ownership. For example, although you will not be personally responsible for debt solely in your spouse’s name, if, for example, you deposit money into a joint bank account, it is possible your spouse’s creditors may be able to attach the entire account (including your money.) Although getting married will create happiness, it is advisable to ask questions and be cautious before letting your spouse’s past credit issues disrupt your marital bliss.
by: Justin H. Dion, Esq.
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