Please help...debt question?

Question

ok so im asking this for a girlfriend of mine that has been going though a rough time. her husband left her and ran up about 60,000 dollars in credit card debt and fled the country at the time they were married and actually still are they wee never legaly seperated they dont have any property or anything like that together but she is really worried that his debt is going to affect her as creditors have been ringing her home for him. so can she get in trouble or have her credit affected by him and also can he get in trouble for having the debt like could he go to jail

Answer 1

Try to explaining all situation to credit card issuer, most likely to the banks. And get fair solution for this debt crash. There is must be fair way for the husband and wife. Be honest how "the big money" run out in this household, for pay cost of life  or  loose in business.  My point is, get comprehensive consultation with the bank and ask for debt restructuring.

Try that, hopefully will be better for future,...  

Answer 2

Yes, she is liable for his debt; particularly if they were on the same accounts together.  

No, he cannot go to jail, he didn't break any laws.  

Answer 3

1. If her name was on the credit cards, then she will be held responsible.  If the accounts are only in her husband's name, then she is not responsible.

2. The worst that can happen to her if she does not pay is that she is sued for the balances owed on the credit cards. After that happens, she will have a judgment against her for the amount and then the creditors can start taking property from her, possibly garnishing her wages, stuff like that.

3. Neither of them can go to jail for debt.

Also, if she has any idea where the scumbag went, she can notify the credit card companies and they might have offices there that could track his butt down.

What a piece of c**p. I am sorry for your friend's troubles. If it gets too bad, she can always declare bankruptcy and just start her life over completely.  

Answer 4

First, she should get a divorce.  She can get an uncontested divorce through a process called divorce through publication.  She would be best served by doing this through an attorney.  The process involves filing for a divorce, and then publishing the summons in the classified section of the newspaper where his last known address was.  When he does not respond, the judge will award her the divorce.  She will likely be able to have a court order separating her credit and liabilities from his credit and liabilities.

Good Luck, I hope this gives you some ideas.

If the credit is only in his name, the process will be much easier.  If it is joint credit she will have some work to do.  He could be prosecuted for credit fraud, but if he is outside the country he is likely beyond the reach of the law.