Who Is Responsible For The Vehicle Debt?

Question:

I am looking for financial advice on divorce regarding paying off debt acquired during the marriage.

My wife bought a vehicle when I was deployed, and I was listed as a co-signer. Now that we are getting a divorce she says I am on the hook to pay for the entire vehicle.

I just want to know if I am legally liable to pay for this debt?

Answer:

This answer only includes general divorce help for men since I am only licensed to practice in Texas and am thus unable to provide financial advice on divorce and laws in other states.

Texas, where I practice, is a community property state where any debt incurred during marriage is community debt and can be divided by the court as such. Thus, you are liable for the debt but so is she.

The court can order her to have to pay it, especially in light of her actions to deceive you. You may want to look into proving this transaction as fraudulent as it wasn’t made with your consent. But you are not liable to pay for car unless and until you are ordered to do so.

However, keep in mind that your name is still on it. Upon finalization of the divorce, you will want to make sure she executes the proper documents to remove your name from the title and debt altogether.

Please understand that my opinions are based upon the limited facts that you provided to me. In order to receive financial advice on divorce, I urge you to contact a divorce lawyer.

To arrange an initial consultation to discuss divorce rights for men with a Cordell & Cordell attorney, including Dallas Divorce Lawyer Amber Steiss Rechner, please contact Cordell & Cordell.