Spouse Default Student Loans

[kevinf]

My wife (we got married about 4 months ago) owes over $80K in student loans. We live in NY.

With my salary, we can afford to live but we can not afford to make her monthly payments which is practically the cost of our monthly rent.

So, I was wondering:

What would be the consequences of defaulting on her students loans (ethical issues asside)? Since, I will be the one earning a living, are there really going to be any consequences for her?

Thank you for your advice.

 

[dgingrich]

Here in PA they will take your federal income tax refund. Not sure how it works in NY though.

 

[enjay]

Why would she not work simply because she got married?