Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Seperation and legal responsibility

My wife and I have been seperated for 6 mos now and we finally got her moved out of the house we were leasing. (I've been staying at my folks house) She signed a lease on a duplex that I believe she can't afford. Since we have been seperated she went out and got a Speigel credit card. An I responsible for her lease just because we are married and how about the credit card issue. I'm not ready to file for divorce but I want to know how to protect myself. Would filing for a legal seperation do it? Thank you for this service. I just kind of fell upon it and the timing couldn't have been any better.


Asked on 6/03/99, 11:34 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Andrew Sargent Law Office of Andrew H. Sargent

Re: Seperation and legal responsibility

As a general rule debts incurred from the date of separation on are the responsibility of the spouse incurring the debt. However, if the debt is on a joint credit card or line of credit all people who signed the application are liable. So new cards and new debt - probably hers, old card new debt - your probably on the hook. You need to meet with an attorney to discuss your options. Filing for "legal separation" is the same process as filing for a divorce and takes the same time. An initial consultation should not be expenses - I charge $50 for 1/2 an hour - many do not offer 1/2 hours and the mininmum charge is for one hour. Good Luck Feel free to call me at 206-842-1905 if you want to schedule and appointment of talk.

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Answered on 6/07/99, 1:40 pm


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