spouses debts

#1 06-20-2003, 05:32 PM

What is the name of your state? Louisiana

We've been married two years. I recently found out that my wife has received numerous credit cards during that time and has run up a credit card debt in excess of $23,000.00. Am I liable for these debts? Is there any way I can protect myself? I have never signed anything for her to get these cards, never used these cards, didn't even know of the existence of these cards. Even I wouldn't loan my wife money. Please help me.

JETX · #2 06-20-2003, 09:35 PM

Sorry, but you are in deep doo!!
Louisiana is a community property state, so your wife's credit card debt is also your debt.
I would suggest you take some action to stop the spending.... and to pay the debts. Otherwise, you will be jumped on like a chicken neck in a crab trap!

#3 06-21-2003, 05:34 PM

There is nothing I can do about the spending. Would notifying the credit card companies that I won't be liable for my wife's debts keep me from being liable for any further charges? Do I have to get a divorce to get any protection? Would getting married again in a non-community property state do any good?

#4 06-21-2003, 05:45 PM

Nothing you can do about the spending? Take her purse, open the billfold, put the cards between the blades of your favorite sissors and WALLA, spending stopped....

You can also tie her to the bed and spoon feed her but that's not about spending...

As for notifying the credit card companies, forget it. You can't change the laws and they know it.