Am I On the Hook for My Spouse’s Credit Card Debt in CA?

protect credit divorce

There are few things more complicated than divorce. Nobody wants to imagine the day when they get divorced, but for many couples, this is an unfortunate reality. Not only is divorce an emotionally complex issue, but it is also often a financially complex issue as well. Many spouses in today’s day and age have racked up a significant amount of credit card debt, and often, spouses of these individuals will wonder if they’re required to pay it off here in CA. Please continue reading and reach out to an experienced Los Angeles divorce attorney from the Zitser Family Law Group, APC to learn more about how credit card debt is divided in divorce and how our legal team can help.

Will I have to pay my spouse’s credit card debt in a CA divorce?

To start, you should understand that the state of California is a community property state. This means that, in most cases, any debt accumulated by either spouse over the course of a marriage will be considered community property, and that both spouses, therefore, will be responsible for paying it off. That said, you should note that if your spouse accumulated credit card debt prior to your marriage, in most cases, you will not be on the hook for the credit card debt.

What happens if I refuse to pay off my spouse’s credit card debt?

When a judge determines a divorce agreement, both parties will be responsible for abiding by that agreement. This means that spousal support and child support payments must be made in accordance with the agreement, the child custody arrangement must be followed, and property must be distributed accordingly. Therefore, if credit card debt is a part of your divorce settlement, you will be required, by law, to pay off at least a portion of that debt. If you refuse to abide by this agreement, you may face various civil, or even criminal penalties. If you have any additional questions about how credit card debt is handled during divorces in California, please don’t hesitate to speak with a knowledgeable and dedicated Los Angeles division of assets attorney from our firm.

Contact our experienced Los Angeles firm

Divorce and family law issues are notoriously complicated and personal, which is why you must hire an attorney with years of experience, as well as the compassion and skill needed to handle these sensitive matters. For the qualified, dedicated legal representation you and your family deserve and need, contact Zitser Family Law Group, APC today.

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