Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Texas

Can my live-in girlfriend's debt and outstanding bills in her name effect me??

My girlfriend recently moved in with me. She has a fair amount of debt that she's having trouble paying (she's unemployed and disabled with chronic pain). credit card debt mostly. she knows's her credit is bad now, and all of the bills are totally in her name, and in no way linked to me, other than a billing address. my credit is immaculate, and i'm wondering can my credit be affected in any way since she lives with me, or could i ever be stuck with her debt by some kind of 'common law marraige' law.

thanks!


Asked on 3/07/06, 12:50 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
TC Langford Langford Law Office

Re: Can my live-in girlfriend's debt and outstanding bills in her name effect me??

Even if you become 'common-law' married, the debts she brings into the relationship are her separate debts. If you mingle your assets, however, you run the risk of blurring the line between separate and community property and debts.

If you never formally or informally marry, and you do not create any debt on her accounts, then you are fine. If you do marry, make sure that those accounts are closed prior to the marriage. Even if the debt is paid off slowly over time (or never paid), it is a good idea to make sure that there are no more charges on the accounts after marriage.

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Answered on 3/07/06, 1:56 pm


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