If my ex-wife does not pay her debts which still have my name on them, could my new wife be held responsible or made to pay them off?

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If my ex-wife does not pay her debts which still have my name on them, could my new wife be held responsible or made to pay them off?

My name is still on my ex-wife’s accounts – credit cards, house loans, etc. The debts in question were debts that my ex-wife took as part of the property settlement at the time of our divorce. The creditors will not take my name off of her accounts until paid off.

Asked on February 17, 2012 under Family Law, Arkansas

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

Generally speaking, the debts are your and not your new wife's but they can indeed effect her in the long run should a judgement be issued in your name.  A judgement creditor can attach a joint account if it has your name on it; a joint tax refund, etc.  They can not go after her personally per se should some thing happen to you but they could go against your estate.  Good luck.


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