Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Michigan

marriage & credit

For the first time in my life I am completely debt free, however, my fiance is $30,000 in debt with credit card bills. These are all bills in his name only and accrewed before we even met each other. My question is, when we get married, will that debt be my responsibility? Can creditors hold me responsible because I am married to him? In the event that something happens with the marriage and it doesn't work out, will I at all be inclinded to pay for any of HIS bills?


Asked on 6/22/07, 10:06 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

Renee Walsh LawRefs Nonprofit

Re: marriage & credit

No. You will not become responsible for the loans just because you married the debtor. In order to become responsible for the loans, you have to be a party to the contract. If something should happen to the marriage, you will argue that the debt was premarital and not your responsibility.

(Please do not rely on this communication which does not create an attorney-client relationship and which is intended merely as a discussion of legal principles and is not to be relied upon.)

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Answered on 6/22/07, 3:52 pm
Audra Arndt Audra A. Arndt & Associates, PLLC

Re: marriage & credit

No - you will not be accountable if the accounts are not ever in your name. They will be his responsibility only. However, should he default on the accounts, and you guys have a home or other assets in both your names, then a lien could be placed on that property.

But the bottom line is no, simply because you get married does not make his debts your debts.

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Answered on 6/22/07, 3:52 pm
Rochelle Guznack Law Offices of Rochelle E. Guznack, PLLC

Re: marriage & credit

A lien cannot be placed on property owned jointly by husband and wife unless the debt is also joint.

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Answered on 6/25/07, 3:10 pm


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