Can I be made liable for my future wife’s pre-marital debt?
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Can I be made liable for my future wife’s pre-marital debt?
My girlfriend and I are contemplating getting married. However, just before she filed for divorce, her ex-husband ran up $55K of debt in her name. A long story short, Since the debt was accumulated while they were married, the debt is seen as community debt and he is on the hook for half of it. If we get married, will I be on the hook for any of this debt?
Asked on December 5, 2012 under Family Law, Ohio
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
You are not responsible for her pre-marital debt, BUT her share of joint assets can be reached by creditors. For example: say you buy a house together: a lien can be placed on it, which lien will affect her share of the home's value or equity.
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