If she dies or refuses to pay them back. I live in California
2007-12-17 02:39:05 · 14 answers · asked by JohnB 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Marriage & Divorce
No. The only way you can be held responsible for her student loans is you let her refinance them in BOTH your names. As long as they stay in her name they are hers. If she dies any assets that go to her estate (not directly to you) can be used to pay her debts. For example, if she has a checking account strictly in her name, that's her asset. If you own a home together and you are married, that can transfer directly to you (depends on the type of legal ownership but realtors usually set it up that way, you can ask).
Same goes for any other debts, if they are credit cards for example and in her name only, if she dies her estate either has the assets to pay the debts or the debts die too. If she refuses to pay them back it will ruin HER credit, not yours. Married couples do not have shared credit histories. They can get a judgement against her and garnish HER wages, but not yours. They can put a lean against the marital home but I don't believe they can take your 1/2 of the equity (you may have to check on that).
If you divorce it works a little differently, most states are community property states so assets and debts accumulated during the marriage are shared, and you could end up paying her credit cards but usually student loans are separate.
2007-12-17 02:46:59 · answer #1 · answered by Jen70 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I also have alot of student loan debt, it's really the only debt I have but it can be very stressful. That said, I would NEVER expect my fiance or husband to pay them off. Of course I would accept help with them (especially if he makes more money) but I would NEVER ask him to pay anything on them. As far as I know, legally, if the loans are in her name you are not responsible to pay them. This is something I often think about being that I am 30 and think about marriage from time to time...I worry that my debt will affect my man...she may be worried about that too. If you can help her and want to, help her. The faster they are paid off the better. If you cannot or don't want to help her, don't.
2007-12-17 03:28:12 · answer #2 · answered by laura1977 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In spite of what the legal angle is, if you are going to marry this woman, then you have to help her out. It's the RIGHT thing to do as a husband.
You should be telling her, "look honey, I love you so much that I'm going to assume your debts, and together we will pay them off." After all you will be sharing all your other debts too (house, cars, children, etc.). Its part of the sharing experience of marriage.
2007-12-17 02:54:39 · answer #3 · answered by Dr. D 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're worried due to two possibilities: "If she dies or refuses to pay them back."
Solution: marry a woman who is responsible, and get life insurance on her.
2007-12-17 02:46:19 · answer #4 · answered by Happy-2 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure about the legal side of it but the "marriage" side is that you will want to help pay them off.
Think of yourselves as being one when making decisions of what to do in your lives. This doesn't mean you do everything together but the decision of "what to do" is going to be mutual. Financial decisions are included in this.
You will want to help her and she will want to help you.
2007-12-17 02:50:09 · answer #5 · answered by Vitiran 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
we are paying my husbands exwifes student loans back right now.
Fun fun!
hope she got herself a good education!
2007-12-17 07:45:50 · answer #6 · answered by ★★★ Katharine ♥♥♥♥ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in a manner they are going to in that they are going to pay you a salary and with that money you will at last pay all your spouse's debt off, in case you maintain at it long adequate. the faster you start up, the faster it fairly is going to likely be paid off.
2016-12-18 03:15:06 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you are resposible for your spouses debts &/or finances. just out of curiousity, is this going to stop the marriage? does it matter if your are responsible for her debt or not? if you really love the woman it shouldn't matter. no time to be materialistic now bud. sounds like your having second doubts somewhere in that head of yours. you better figure that question out, before you start asking questions about finance after the fact.
2007-12-17 02:47:01 · answer #8 · answered by Mr. Smartypants 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
She is until you get married, Then after you should share the debt. I am sure you are bringing baggage to the union also. I believe legally she is only responsible.
2007-12-17 02:43:23 · answer #9 · answered by Irish Dad 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Only if you're included on the loan.
2007-12-17 06:24:12 · answer #10 · answered by dmj_369 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋