Interest from student loan debt
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Interest from student loan debt
I had student loans for my undergrad before my marriage. I got married the same month I graduated. Shortly after my husband stopped working full-time and has been unemployed or underemployed during the last 12 years. As a result, I could not make my student loan payments and deferred them for 9 years which amounted to a huge amount of interest. Essentially, my original loan amount doubled. I understand I am responsible for my original loan amount pre- marriage but is my husband in any way responsible for the interest accrued? My degree has supported our family of 6 during that time.
Asked on August 12, 2019 under Family Law, Oregon
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
Unless a spouse specifically agrees to be liable for a pre-marital debt (i.e. co-signs or otherwise guarantees its payment), then they are not legally responsible for such a debt. As for debt incurred dutng marrriage, that is a different matter.
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
No, he is not responsible for them. This was a debt incurred prior to marriage (which is a critical fact), and one which we assume (since you don't state otherwise) he did not cosign or guaranty. It is, unfortunately, your debt alone, not his and that includes the interest as well as principal.
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