noel194 Posted February 28, 2005 Report Share Posted February 28, 2005 I am considering getting married and the topic of our finances is being discussed. My wife to be told me she has an outstanding civil judgement in Missouri for a wrongful death. She ran a stop sign and caused an accident and the other driver dies. There was no alcohol or drugs involved. She was not served and a trial was held without her present and a default judgement enetered. Can she declare bankruptcy?? Am I responsible for her debt if we are married? I live in Maryland. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
admin Posted March 1, 2005 Report Share Posted March 1, 2005 If you live in a community property state (and I don't think Missouri is), then any debts jointly accumulated AFTER you are married become both of yours. In other words, no, you will not be held liable no matter what for this judgment.As for affecting your credit, until this judgment is paid off, you will have to pay it off if you buy a home, (the mortgage company will insist), but it will far off your wife-to-be's credit report after 7 years. The SOL on her judgment can be found on the Statutue of Limitations link above. Kristy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LadynRed Posted March 1, 2005 Report Share Posted March 1, 2005 She could declare bankruptcy, but because of the nature of the judgment, its unlikely that it would be dischargable. The only way you can know is to consult with a bankruptcy attorney and have the particulars of the case and the judgment ready to give to him/her. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts