The outcome of a divorce is heavily influenced by all aspects of the couple’s marital finances, including both assets and debts. Any marital debt remaining at the time of the divorce may need to be divided equitably between both spouses, and this can lead to complications with creditors in the future. Addressing debt before filing for divorce may help you to simplify the divorce process and protect yourself from financial liability.
Types of Marital Debt to Address
It may surprise you to learn that, as with assets, debts incurred by either or both spouses during the marriage are generally considered to belong to the marital estate, meaning that they will factor into the division of assets and debts in the divorce. Common marital debts that divorcing couples must contend with include home mortgages, credit card debt, and vehicle loans. Student loans may also qualify as marital debt if a spouse continued their education during the marriage, especially for the purposes of better providing for the family.
Options for Addressing Debt
Whenever possible, it is a good idea to be proactive about marital debt before initiating the divorce process. Possible strategies for minimizing the impact of debt on your divorce include:
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