What does equitable distribution mean in divorce?

What does equitable distribution mean in divorce?

Equitable distribution is a legal theory whereby marital property is distributed equitably in a divorce proceeding. Property assets are classified as either separate property or marital property. Most US states follow the equitable distribution theory.

How do I leave my wife without losing everything?

How To Keep Your Stuff Through Divorce

  1. Disclose every asset. One of the most important things you can do seems, at first, counter-intuitive.
  2. Disclose offsetting debts. Likewise, it is important to disclose every debt, especially debts secured by marital assets.
  3. Keep your documents.
  4. Be prepared to negotiate.

Can a spouse be held responsible for debt?

Since California is a community property state, the law applies that the community estate shared between both individuals is liable for a debt incurred by either spouse during the marriage. All community property shared equally between husband and wife can be held liable for repaying the debts of one spouse.

How is credit card debt split in a divorce?

The basics

  1. Most importantly, try to leave your marriage with no joint debt.
  2. Pay off the joint cards together or divide up the debt on joint cards and transfer it to cards in each partner’s name.
  3. Cancel all undiscussed joint credit cards.
  4. Clearly agree to who will pay off the debt on which cards.

Who pays credit card debt in divorce?

When you get a divorce, you are still responsible for any debt in your name. That means that if you and your spouse had a joint credit card, you are just as liable for that debt as your spouse.

Is wife responsible for deceased husband’s credit card debt?

In most cases you will not be responsible to pay off your deceased spouse’s debts. As a general rule, no one else is obligated to pay the debt of a person who has died. If there is a joint account holder on a credit card, the joint account holder owes the debt.