WillI be responsible to pay my wife’s debtthat sheincurred before we got married?
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WillI be responsible to pay my wife’s debtthat sheincurred before we got married?
Asked on March 5, 2012 under Bankruptcy Law, Washington
Answers:
S.L,. Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
If you live in a community property state, community property is property acquired during marriage. This also includes income and debts during marriage. Each spouse has a one half interest in the community property.
Separate property is property acquired before marriage or after the marriage ends. This also includes income and debts before marriage and after the marriage ends. A spouse has no claim to the other spouse's separate property.
You are NOT liable for your spouse's debts incurred before marriage because those debts are her separate property.
If you don't live in a community property state, other rules may be applicable.
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