Will a wife’s judgement affect her husband’s wages/account?
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Will a wife’s judgement affect her husband’s wages/account?
My wife accrued some medical debt in her name for a couple of emergency visits. It ultimately went to collections and had a judgement issued in the collection’s favor. On the court summons they specifically took only her to court. My question is can they garnish my wages or bank account in my name only? On a side note, since I never signed anything at the hospital and the bills were never in my name and only hers, can it affect my credit score?
Asked on March 20, 2012 under Bankruptcy Law, Oregon
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Here is the thing: there is a general rule that spouses are responsible for the necessities of their spouses, and medical bills are such, even if the bills are in the name of the one spouse only. I think her though the creditor may have messed up and sued only her. With a judgement in her name only your accounts can not be attached,. But joint assets and tax returns, etc., can be. I would take the paperwork to an attorney in your area to be sure. Good luck.
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