When a couple is divorcing, any debt accumulated over the course of the marriage must be divided between the partners. If at all possible, all debts should be paid off before divorce proceedings begin. This is the best way to assure a clean financial break from a former spouse. If this is not a possibility, debts are considered property and must be shared. In the state of New York, debt is not necessarily divided equally, but rather equitably.
While dividing marital debt, a judge will likely consider:
Premarital agreement – if an arrangement for distribution of debt was agreed upon before marriage it is likely to be upheld by a court during a divorce. However, if the couple accumulated an unusually large debt during the marriage, one spouse might still be able to contest the previously agreed-upon distribution as inequitable under current circumstances.
How the debt was acquired – if the debt was acquired to mutually benefit both spouses, such as to purchase a home, car or family vacation the debt is shared by both parties. If the debt was acquired to benefit only one spouse, such as for the purchase of sporting equipment or to finance one spouse’s graduate studies, the debt is likely to be assigned to the spouse that benefitted.
Financial situation of each spouse – in dividing debt a judge might consider the income, assets, earning potential and living conditions of each partner.
Even if the court determines that one spouse is financially capable of paying off his or her share of a mutually acquired debt that does not guarantee that the spouse will live up to the obligation. When agreeing to take on a share of debt it is a good idea to ask your attorney to integrate some safeguards into your agreement so you do not become obligated to pay off your ex-spouse’s share of a debt.
If you are divorcing and share debts with your spouse, including mortgage, credit cards or car loans, consult a divorce attorney. Call the Buffalo Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis at 716.886.9600 or contact us online.
As a Buffalo divorce lawyer for 28 years, I have devoted myself to solving the problems that affect families throughout the Buffalo metropolitan area and Western New York. As a family law attorney, I make it my goal to create a partnership of trust with my clients. People put their trust in me to handle cases that can potentially have a long-lasting impact on not only their lives, but the lives of their family as well.
Alexandra M. Rockwood is a Senior Associate Attorney with the Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis & Associates and has been with the firm since early 2020. She primarily practices in the areas of matrimonial and family law, including divorce, child custody, and child support. Alexandra is a practicing matrimonial and family law attorney as…
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5.0/5.0Divorce is always an unpleasant event and my case was no exception, yet the guidance, professionalism and ethical strategy that Randy Margulis provided was essential in finding the best solutions for my children, my ex-wife and myself. As the proces...
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5.0/5.0
Divorce is always an unpleasant event and my case was no exception, yet the guidance, professionalism and ethical strategy that Randy Margulis provided was essential in finding the best solutions for my children, my ex-wife and myself. As the proces...
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5.0/5.0
Randy Margulis is knowledgable of Domestic Law, dedicated, responsive, personable, aggressive and effective. I came to him on a friend's recommendation as well as Randy's reputation, and during the initial consultation I liked his approach and track ...
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5.0/5.0
Found Mr. Margulis to be a very organized and professional individual to work with. He is well-respected by his peers and is spoken of highly, I believe this helped with my divorce and made things go smoothly. I would highly recommend his services ...
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5.0/5.0
Randy is very firm and effective in court while empathetic to his clients. I am a domestic violence victim, and Randy made me feel safe and protected. My financial award was more than I envisioned it to be when I started my divorce. I can't thank ...
