Is a husband responsible for wife credit card debt?

You are generally not responsible for your spouse’s credit card debt unless you are a co-signor for the card or it is a joint account. However, state laws vary and divorce or the death of your spouse could also impact your liability for this debt.

What is considered marital debt?

Marital debts include all of the debts that a couple incurred during a marriage, which are due and owing at the time that an action for divorce is filed in the New York Supreme Court. The debts can include private loans, student loans, personal loans, mortgages, lines of credit, credit card debt, and medical debt.

Who is responsible for credit card debt in a divorce?

The agreement you have with a card issuer is that you are required to pay that debt. So even if your spouse is supposed to help you pay down credit card debt in your name, if they don’t, you are still on the hook for it. The creditor will come after you.

Who is liable for a joint credit card debt?

If the debt is for a joint credit card in both your names, then you and your spouse are equally liable for it. In addition, if you are a cosigner on your spouse’s credit card (even if it is not a joint account), you’re still on the hook.

What happens if I fail to pay my spouses credit card debt?

But if you fail to pay the debt and the credit card company comes after your ex-spouse, then your ex-spouse can sue you for violating the divorce decree and seek reimbursement for any damages suffered. Need professional help? Start here. Please select…

Who is responsible for credit card debt after death?

Many family members are afraid they will be responsible for credit card debts once their loved ones pass away. This is not necessarily true, although some states do hold a surviving spouse accountable for credit card debt. Unsecured credit card debt does not usually pass to heirs, as secured debt often does.