Full question:
If my spouse had unpaid medical bills from well before we met or married, can I now be held responsible and can my wages be garnished?
- Category: Debts and Credit
- Subcategory: Garnishment
- Date:
- State: Ohio
Answer:
Generally, you are not liable for your spouse's individual debts, including unpaid medical bills, if you are not a co-signer, guarantor, or authorized user on the account. This is true especially if you do not live in a community property state. However, in community property states, your assets may still be at risk, particularly in situations like bankruptcy, divorce, or litigation. For example, creditors might pursue jointly held assets, such as a shared bank account, to satisfy the debt. If your spouse fails to pay a joint credit card debt they agreed to cover, the creditor could potentially sue you for that amount. Laws vary by state regarding debt responsibility based on when the debt was incurred, who incurred it, and the debt's purpose.
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.