Getting Married After Bankruptcy
Getting married after bankruptcy can have a huge impact on your finances. Marry a financially savvy spouse and you’re well on your way to have a successful financial life; but marry a financially struggling spouse and you could face a second trip to bankruptcy.
How to Protect Your Post-Bankruptcy Credit When Marrying
Below are a few tips on how to protect your post-bankruptcy credit when marrying:
Find Out About Your Future Spouse’s Financial Situation
Do they have delinquent debts, defaults, judgments and lawsuits pending? Are they savers, spenders, investors or are the completely clueless? Whatever you do, don’t’ allow finances to go unmentioned before you tie the knot.
Don’t Take on Your Future Spouse’s Debt
Don’t take on your future spouse’s debt troubles by paying their bills or co-signing a loan on their behalf. As you improve your credit post-bankruptcy, you will have the ability to get home loans, car loans and credit cards. A spouse with less than stellar credit may want to benefit from your post-bankruptcy success by leveraging your creditworthiness by having you co-sign a loan in the name of love, just say no.
Maintain Separate Bank Accounts
If your future spouse has debt troubles, such as defaults and lawsuits, you may want to maintain separate bank accounts. If the creditors decide to seize your spouse’s funds in a bank account, they won’t just take his/her money in that account, they will take your money too.
Avoid Adding Your Financially Troubled Spouse’s Name to Your Credit Cards
Don’t add them as an authorized user and don’t open a credit card account with them. While it may be hard to admit this, if your spouse has delinquent debts, they probably won’t be able to pay any charges they create on your account. Don’t jeopardize your post-bankruptcy fresh start by giving a financially troubled spouse an opportunity to create debts in your name.
Have Any Questions About Marriage and Bankruptcy?
If you have any more questions about marriage and bankruptcy we can help. You can submit your questions or set up a free consultation by calling us or filling out our contact form .