Checking up on your partners Debt problems.

LZL03 · 21 May 2008 at 11:41AM

A few years ago my wife managed to run up VERY LARGE credit card debts without my knowledge. Stupidly she buried her head in the sand, thinking that if I found out it would mean the end of our marriage. Unfortunately I became seriously ill and had to spend many months at home. It was during this period that I notice more and more letters from credit card companies where arriving. Then one day I simply had to open of the letters and found a statement for £15,000. I tackled my wife about it, we decided I would pay off the debt and she would pay me back each month including the interest I would have got on my savings. Everything was sorted or so thought until more and more bills arrived. My wife was given an ultimatum, come clean about all your debts or go through the door. We finally arrived at a figure or around £33,000 including the orignally £15k. I know find that I am now flat broke having paid off all her debts. But I am worried that she may start spending to excess again. We are both working, but I am constantly in fear of credit cards statements coming through the door. All here cards have been cut up, and only Capital One still insist on sending statements with zero balances.

Is there ANY way I can keep a check on my wifes credit rating without her knowledge. Being married I am jointly responsible to pay off any debts she incurrs, but find myself in a position that under the data protection act no-one is allowed to give out information about my wife.

NickX · 21 May 2008 at 11:50AM

LZL03 wrote: »

Being married I am jointly responsible to pay off any debts she incurrs

This is actually not the case - with Credit Cards the primary card holder is solely responsible for the debt, and secondary card holders do not have any liability.

So, in fact, you could just leave the responsiblity for your wife's credit card debts with her, although I understand that this could cause problems with your relationship. Good Luck.

CLAPTON · 21 May 2008 at 11:53AM

You have no legal responsibility for your wifes debts unless they are joint loans or they are secured on the property.

Why not sit down once a month and talk to her about the money situation and go through all the bills etc

dhassen · 21 May 2008 at 12:51PM

What is your wife spending the money on? I honestly think she / you both need counselling / therapy of some sort - why is she spending so much, why can't she tell you? I'd be fuming.

good luck

JohalaReewi · 21 May 2008 at 1:01PM

LZL03 wrote: »

Being married I am jointly responsible to pay off any debts she incurrs.

You are not liable for your wife's debts just by being married to her. If the debt is in her name only, then it is her debt, not yours. So stuff like credit cards, store cards, personal loans are all down to her and there is no need for you to pay them off.

One problem area is being financially linked with your wife (like through a joint mortgage or bank account). In this case, your wife's (poor?) credit record will affect you even though you may have a good credit record.