Portland, OR asked in Bankruptcy and Small Claims for Oregon

Q: If I marry, will my new husbands debt be shared with me?

My fiance lived with his ex during covid. During this time he would give her money to pay the rent. She ended up not paying it and got him $15000 in collection debt. On credit karma, it appears looks like the debt is getting paid? So we assume it's being garnished from her. As he hadn't noticed anything. We want to get married but I'm hesitant as I'm unsure if his debt would be shared with me as a married couple? I currently have no debt and good credit. Obviously this ruined his credit.

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2 Lawyer Answers

A: No. His debt is not your debt and it will not be shared with you or reported on your credit. Unless you sign on some debt with him in the future, you have no liability for his debt.

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James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: It would be prudent to maintain clear financial boundaries and perhaps consider entering into a prenuptial agreement that delineates responsibility for debts.

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