How does my husband’s debt affect our divorce?

So I’m about to start divorce proceedings, but I don’t know all the details of my husband’s debt. I know he has a few credit cards and some other accounts, but no idea about the balances or specifics. Will this impact things on my end?

Yeah, not knowing his debt specifics can make things tricky. You might want to list the debts you know about in your divorce papers. The court can usually handle it if you’re missing some details.

Ameliascarlet said:
Yeah, not knowing his debt specifics can make things tricky. You might want to list the debts you know about in your divorce papers. The court can usually handle it if you’re missing some details.

Good to know! He’s got a few cards, plus some credit account with PayPal, but he’s not been very open about everything else.

Ameliascarlet said:
Yeah, not knowing his debt specifics can make things tricky. You might want to list the debts you know about in your divorce papers. The court can usually handle it if you’re missing some details.

Sounds like a tough situation. Maybe try to get as much info as possible before filing?

If you guys haven’t filed yet, just know that his debt is usually his responsibility unless it’s in both names.

Vince said:
If you guys haven’t filed yet, just know that his debt is usually his responsibility unless it’s in both names.

That’s kind of what I thought. So if it’s just in his name, it’s on him?

@Noah
Yep, that’s usually the case. But double-check with your lawyer to be sure.

Honestly, if he’s not cooperative, maybe get the court to make him disclose everything? They can order him to if needed.

Kyle said:
Honestly, if he’s not cooperative, maybe get the court to make him disclose everything? They can order him to if needed.

Didn’t know that was an option! He’s been pretty difficult, so that might be my best bet.

If you have a minor, make sure to include info about them in the paperwork too. I forgot and it slowed things down.

Sadie said:
If you have a minor, make sure to include info about them in the paperwork too. I forgot and it slowed things down.

Oh, thanks for the tip! My youngest turns 18 in February, so I’ll make sure to include him.

Sadie said:
If you have a minor, make sure to include info about them in the paperwork too. I forgot and it slowed things down.

Just FYI, even if he’s turning 18 soon, they’ll still need the details since he’s technically a minor now.

If he has stuff like credit accounts with no co-signer, those debts are likely just his, but be prepared in case the court looks at any marital debt differently.

Sadie said:
If he has stuff like credit accounts with no co-signer, those debts are likely just his, but be prepared in case the court looks at any marital debt differently.

Right, got it. I’ll list his known debts and just hope that’s enough. Thanks for all the advice here!