Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Illinois

Fiance's debt

If I marry a man who has considerable debt ( back taxes, student loan, etc), do I become responsible for any of his debt? We live in IL. I have excellent credit. I do have a mortgage on the house we share that is in my name only. He contributes a considerable amount to our household expenses. We both have good jobs & he is making solid efforts to pay back the debts.


Asked on 10/25/07, 8:00 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Lesley Hoenig Lesley A. Hoenig, Attorney at Law

Re: Fiance's debt

You do not become responsible for his debt, but if his name is on the title of the house, and any of his creditors get a judgment (or the IRS puts a lien on his property), they can put a lien on the property. But this would be the case whether you are married or not. If he isn't on the house, that should be a non issue.

If he is making efforts to pay back the debts, I doubt you have much to worry about, just keep in mind that jointly owned property an be subject to any judgments against him.

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Answered on 10/31/07, 3:06 pm


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