Collections Law – When Your Spouse Has Debts

Are you liable for your spouse’s debts? It depends on the applicable state law. In community property states, most debts incurred by one spouse during the marriage are attributed to both. In other states however that follow “common law” property rules, the debts of one spouse are generally that person’s debts alone, unless it was incurred for a family necessity, such as food, shelter and/or tuition for children. The exact rules vary from state to state. Should you require an attorney referral in the collections arena, feel free to contact us.