Are both parties liable for debts if one files for bankruptcy?

Full question:

My husband and I are thinking of signing a separation agreement. We do not understand the part of the agreement on bankruptcy (see below). Our question actually is as follows: if after signing the separation agreement one of the parties files for bankruptcy, is the other party still held liable by the court for the debts that the bankrupt party made?

  • Category: Bankruptcy
  • Date:
  • State: National

Answer:

If one spouse files for bankruptcy, the other spouse may still be liable for debts they share. If the bankrupt party's obligations are discharged in bankruptcy and the non-bankrupt party is held responsible for those debts, they can petition the court for spousal support to cover the discharged amounts. This means liability is possible if both spouses are jointly responsible for a debt.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Yes, a separation agreement must be signed by both parties to be legally binding. This document outlines the terms of the separation, including asset division and responsibilities. It's advisable to have the agreement reviewed by a legal professional to ensure it meets all legal requirements.