Dear Attorneys,
I recently filed for divorce. My husband has a severe gambling problem, and it has really put us into debt. I don’t know if I should pay off the debt now, or wait and see what happens with our final agreement. I’m afraid if he gets some of the cash we have, he will blow it, and I don’t want my credit to get any worse. We need to pay off these bills. What do I do?
Sincerely,
Debbie in Debt
Dear Debbie,
I’m sorry to hear you are going through this, but the silver lining is that you are being proactive in considering these options! If your cash assets were accrued during the marriage, and the debt was, there is a chance that both of those will be equally divided. However, if you prove that the debt was only caused by your husband’s gambling, he incurred the debt without your knowledge, and it was recent, then there may be some room for negotiation. There are some other factors to consider as well, since Connecticut is an equitable distribution state. It also may matter which creditors you owe (for example, a home equity line of credit is different than credit cards). You should consult with an attorney as soon as possible, and also possibly a financial advisor. If the two professionals work together, they may be able to best advise you.
Wolf & Shore Law Group is here to help you make your family law matters easier, not harder. We are realistic and direct with our clients. We encourage potential clients to seek out a firm where they will feel comfortable and confident. Ever argue with a woman? Let Wolf & Shore Law Group go to work for you. Call us at 203.745.3151 or email us at info@wolfandshorelaw.com.
Very Truly Yours,
Wolf & Shore Law Group
*The situations represented in our Dear Attorneys column are entirely fictional and any resemblance to a specific case is unintentional. We cannot, and will not, offer legal advice to anyone who is not a client. However, if you do have questions or concerns, you should contact an attorney at your convenience.