Will I be accountable for unknown debts of my husband?
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Will I be accountable for unknown debts of my husband?
I sold the house for $140,000 and the lien on the home was paid at closing and deducted from the amount received. I had no idea this was his bill. I found out when he filed for divorce that he has multiple delinquent debts of approximately $100,000. I had no idea. He has lived in a camper in the driveway for the last 2 years. He has paid the mortgage but it was delinquent and is now showing on my credit report. Am I responsible for these bills even if I knew nothing of them?
Asked on June 20, 2018 under Family Law, Tennessee
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
You will be responsible for any debts which you guaranteed or co-signed, even if you thought he was paying and were unaware that he was not. For example, if the mortgage was in both your names, you are responsible for it even if he was the one who was supposed to pay.
You also may be responsible for certain necessary debts of his--the law requires spouses to support each other. So say he has his own credit card and buys a flat screen TV or ATV--you are not liable. But if he has to have necessary (non-elective) surgery, you could be held liable for the medical bill even if you did not co-sign it.
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