Partners debt

rickatron89

My girlfriend and I are looking to move into together. She currently works part time and receives help for her daughter. We could afford to live with our combined wages however she has been left with quite a substantial debt from her previous relationship.

Their house was repossessed and they were left to pay the difference. I've been able to offer a small amount to settle her part of the debt however I don't think it's going to be enough.

My question is, what she pays towards the debt is based on her income per month (low at the moment as she receives help). Would the company who deals with it be able to ask for a larger amount of money because we will live together?

I am no part of this debt and don't feel they should be able to chase me for it. She won't be any better off as the agreement would be I will give her what she loses in benefits. Any help is appreciated.

liamfahy

If your partner keeps up her payments the company would probably not want an increase if she got a better paid (how would they know anyway?). A problem would arise if you wanted to get a mortgage in the future so paying off the debt as quick as possible is advisable. Good luck

rickatron89

Thanks for replying the only reason I query it is every two months they do a review of her income and the more disposable income she has the more they will charge her that month.

She knows she's got to pay, I just want to know if its likely they will expect me to pay her debt for her.

ValHaller

rickatron89 wrote: »

I've been able to offer a small amount to settle her part of the debt however I don't think it's going to be enough.

Because of 'joint and several' liability, there his no such thing as his part or her part of the debt. They are both liable for the whole lot. If her ex pays nothing, the lender will come after your partner on the grounds that she is able to pay.

poppasmurf_bewdley

Be very careful when you say 'her half of the debt'. If the debt was a joint mortgage, then both her and her ex are both liable for the whole amount. There is no 'her half' and 'his half'.