Managing Debt in Your Will County Divorce
Illinois couples who are considering a separation or divorce should also begin the process of evaluating their amount of consumer and other debts. When couples elect to divorce in Illinois, the partners are required to divide both their assets and debts between them. If the matter of debt and asset distribution is placed into the court system, the state’s equitable distribution guidelines will be used.
However, in most cases, these rules are not conducive to the wide variety of financial situations couples may be contending with. Also, it is important to understand that the state’s equitable distribution guidelines do not mean that all debts and assets will be divided equally. Instead, they will be divided in a manner that court deems to be fair and just based on the circumstances of the situation.
Prenuptial Agreements Often Fail to Include Provisions for Debt Accumulated While Married
In many cases, even if the couple had executed a prenuptial agreement that outlines the distribution of separate and marital assets, the issue of debt accumulated during the marriage was not included and planned for in the agreement. Many couples find that the best solution to amicably resolving the issue of debt accumulated during marriage is to work together to pay it off before beginning the divorce process. If this is not possible, each partner must be proactive about making sure that they do not take on more than their fair share of the total debt load.
Consumer Debt From the Marriage
Consumer debt such as credit cards can become a particularly contentious issue in a divorce. It is important to understand that, with regard to joint accounts, the credit card company is under no obligation to recognize your divorce agreement. This means that no matter how you and your partner divide the debt, both of you may still be liable if the other defaults on their payments—just as if you were still married.
Debt Management During Divorce
As long as you remain married, any debt accumulated is the responsibility of both partners. To minimize your risk of becoming responsible for debts incurred by your partner while in the process of divorce, take the following measures:
- Document household expenditures and maintain a ledger of household expenses and purchases made for the family’s use.
- Open an individual bank account and close all joint bank accounts and joint credit card accounts.
Contact a Joliet Divorce Attorney
If you are considering a separation or divorce, it is important to speak with an experienced Will County asset and debt division lawyer so that you fully understand all of your options. Contact Reeder & Brown, P.C. by calling 815-885-5980 and schedule your free consultation today.
Source:
https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=2086&ChapterID=59
Fill out the form below to schedule a consultation.
The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.
I have read and understand the Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.
From our office in Joliet, Illinois we serve the communities of Plainfield, Lockport, Crest Hill, New Lenox, Mokena, Romeoville, Homer Glen, Bolingbrook, Naperville, Aurora and Will County.
Results listed are not a guarantee or indication of future case results.
58 North Chicago Street, Suite 404, Joliet, IL 60432815-885-5980
