marriage split who pays the debt

[foggy s]

i have been married 20 years,we have been seperated 2 years but have debts of �28/�30k but all in my name,i can prove money was spent as a couple but can i now give her half the debt,as she has found a new partner and has filed for divorce.

[Kathyan]

If the debts are in your name, regardless of how the money was spent, you are responsible for paying them off.

[Loosehead]

Yes as above the creditors will chase you for the money. Youcannot "give her half the debt".The only hope you have is if she has a shred of honour she would agree to pay half but don't hold your breath!

[Stu Dent]

I don't know if you live in Scotland or not, but if you do, and your wife is equally responsible for the accumulation of that debt, the sheriff would probably give your wife less in any future divorce settlement. So if you have 30k of debt (for joint holidays and furniture, home improvements etc) and the net value of your home is 100k, the sheriff may order that she pays you a capital sum of 65k (if she is remaining in the house) instead of a 50/50 (50k each) split. If you agree to keep the house you would only need to give her a capital sum of 35k. There are numerous permutations though.