Legal Question in Family Law in Oregon

do i pay my new hubby's cs debt?

I am soon to be married to a man who is required to pay child support to his ex(never married.) When we get married do I become responsible for this debt too? Will my wages be garnished if he loses his job? Will the state keep my tax refund as he owes back child support? Is there a way to marry but not take on this financial burden?


Asked on 5/20/05, 3:19 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Lawrence D. Gorin, Atty. Law Offices of Lawrence Gorin

Re: do i pay my new hubby's cs debt?

YOUR SITUATION:

I am soon to be married to a man who is required to pay child support to his ex(never married.)

YOUR QUESTION # 1:

When we get married do I become responsible for this debt too?

ANSWER:

No.

YOUR QUESTION # 2:

Will my wages be garnished if he loses his job?

ANSWER:

No.

YOUR QUESTION # 3:

Will the state keep my tax refund as he owes back child support?

ANSWER:

Yes, if you report your income on a joint tax return that you file with your husband. However, you will have the right to object to the interception of that part of the tax refund that is attributable to your own income tax liability.

YOUR QUESTION # 4:

Is there a way to marry but not take on this financial burden?

ANSWER:

Yes. In essence, keep your own financial situation separate from that of your husband. Maintain bank/checking accounts in your own name, avoid joint ownership of property, etc. Another way to not take on this financial burden: Make sure your husband stay�s up-to-date on his child support obligation.

LAWRENCE D. GORIN

http://www.divorcesource.com/OR/pages/ldgorin.html


Law Offices of L.D. Gorin

521 S.W. Clay St., Suite 205

Portland, Oregon 97201

Phone: 503-224-8884 (afternoons, Pacific time)

Fax: 503-226-1321

E-mail: [email protected]

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Answered on 5/20/05, 9:13 pm


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