My husband has some debts and I saved some money before the marriage. I changed my name in my social security,

Question

but we filed taxes separately. In case he stops paying his credit cards, the collectors can come into my banking account, that is only in my name and take my money?
Can you also refer me to a website that details this?

Answer 1

They cannot take any funds out of your account unless his name is on it with yours as a joint ownership.

Answer 2

Don't know nothing about any web site but the law is that when you get married, you become one. Your money is his money and his money is yours. The same applies to debt. If the court were to garnish his accounts it would also apply to you.
I have yet to see a marriage with the mind set you have last. When two people get married, they are not becoming room mates with benefits. They are becoming a family. If you keep things from each other, you are already mentally preparing yourself for divorce before you even gave the marriage a chance.
When I got married, I also had some debt. My wife didn't but, had no credit either. Together, we got things taken care of and nearly 20 years later are still together. Between us, we have 3 bank accounts. Hers, mine, and ours but, my name is on her account and her name is on mine. We don't snoop into the accounts but if one of us needs some money the other one transfers some over. It has worked for us.

Answer 3

Hmmm - were his debts there before you got married? If not, they're technically half yours by now. In any case, collectors can't take your money without going through the courts. If your name isn't on any of these credit cards & his name isn't on your bank account, you should be fine.

Answer 4

Social security numbers will always give you up. If he stiffs his creditors..they'll track him down. Got a house? Nothing like a lien from creditors on it. Kinda makes it tough to sell or get a loan.
Your account is safe. They'll attach his paycheck. So...he won't escape that easily if he is considering any of this. Plus...his credit will be blown. Unless he doesn't mind paying interest with loan shark rates from places like The Money Store" and cash-cows of the like.

Answer 5

If the debts were pre-existing, then he is solely responsible; however it would be a marital obligation (in my opinion) to help him pay down those debts.

Now that you are married, HIS bad credit score will directly and adversely effect yours, so it would behoove you to make sure his credit score is as good as it can be.