Getting married/partner's liability for debt

lucy1981

I haven't had time to work out SOA yet and not sure what to include as only recently moved in with partner, although know all outgoings as have been finding better deals recently.

Basically I recently moved in with my fiance, we have a new baby and I have given up work to look after her. I have approx £13k worth of debts which is from years ago, an £11k loan and £1.5k overdraft and £500 credit card. I have been paying the loan and credit card companies token amounts of £1 a month for years as been on very low income. My fiance and I haven't opened a joint account as think my creditors will see his income as joint and use it to pay off my debts from before.

The only income which is "mine" and going into my bank account is child benefit and child tax credits, and this is nowhere near enough for half the bills. I know we are a couple but I don't think my partner should have to pay my debts. We are thinking of also getting married next year would I be able to become bankrupt before?

If still have debts when marry would my new husband become jointly liable for debt accrued before we met?

If i declare bankruptcy now will my fiance's income be seen as joint income or assets seen as joint assets because we are cohabiting? I don't know what my fiance earns and at present it isn't important to me as this was his (rented) home initially, he paid all the bills before and the only financial contributuin I make is the shopping from the tax credit money.

Basically I don't want to marry my OH for him to then have to pay £13k which was debt of mines from years ago. Sorry this is a bit of warble but I wondered if anyone had any advice. Oh I'm in Scotland too if that makes any difference.

Thanks for managing to read all of this!

~Beanie~

I have no idea about the bankruptcy part but your fiance/husband will not become liable for any debt that is in your sole name, no matter whether you took it out before or after you get married.

lucy1981

Oh I just assumed that if we legally became a couple our finances would automatically become joint so that his income becomes "our" income, e.g. I would be seen to have income as my husband is earning so he would need to contribute to my debts.

Anyone advise where I could go for advice? Citizens advice has a 3 month wait for appointment here!

RAS

Check here for NDl's Scottish advice section and then ring them http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/scotland/

CCCs also have a scottish section, if you tell them when you ring.

if you have only recently moved into your partner's house and have not contributed to the costs, you may well be OK, but you need to check the Scottish rules.