Debt going into marriage

[CTMike]

Currently reside in OH, getting married in NY (where the family is) in a few months (and may eventually move back there).

My credit is excellent and my debt is in check. I own the house that my fiance and I live in, it is in my name, and my money was used for the downpayment and continues to pay the mortgage.

Her debt is extensive and her credit is shotty. She has asked me to take over her finances, to get everything back to normal, which I will gladly do for her.

Question is... how can her current debt affect me and my credit after the wedding day, as well as us and our credit going forward. Am I going to be forced to apply for all loans on my own name until her credit is back up, just so I can avoid denial and high interest rates? Can her creditors come after me for money after the wedding? She has spoken of the possibility of filing for bankruptcy... how will this affect me after the wedding if she does so either before the wedding, or after (on her own, without me.. if that is possible).

Any info/advice would be greatly appreciated... thanks...

[Edited by CTMike on 02-21-2001 at 01:11 PM]

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

Currently reside in OH, getting married in NY (where the family is) in a few months (and may eventually move back there).

My credit is excellent and my debt is in check. I own the house that my fiance and I live in, it is in my name, and my money was used for the downpayment and continues to pay the mortgage.

Her debt is extensive and her credit is shotty. She has asked me to take over her finances, to get everything back to normal, which I will gladly do for her.

Question is... how can her current debt affect me and my credit after the wedding day, as well as us and our credit going forward. Am I going to be forced to apply for all loans on my own name until her credit is back up, just so I can avoid denial and high interest rates? Can her creditors come after me for money after the wedding? She has spoken of the possibility of filing for bankruptcy... how will this affect me after the wedding if she does so either before the wedding, or after (on her own, without me.. if that is possible).

Any info/advice would be greatly appreciated... thanks...

[Edited by CTMike on 02-21-2001 at 01:11 PM]

My response:

At least as far as the wedding is concerned, and the house, and your separate funds, I would strongly suggest that you see an attorney to put together a Pre-nuptual Agreement. Insofar as the debts are concerned, I would again, strongly suggest that you see an attorney concerning your rights concerning how these debts, and the potential of BK, may affect your own credit standing, and obtain direction for a potential course of action in these regards.

An ounce of prevention is cheaper than a pound of cure.

Good luck to you.

IAAL