My husband and I are separated. Whilst together he had a couple of credit cards in his name but put my name on as a second cardholder - all bills etc., are in his name and the card companies will not speak to me. Am I legally responsible for any of these debts? We also have a loan in Joint names am I entitled to ask him to pay half of it even though he no longer lives in the house (it is rented)

November 27, 2008 by Anonymous

You would not appear to have any liability for the credit card debts which will be your husband's sole responsibility as the cardholder. This would appear to be confirmed by the fact that the card company will not speak to you. If you had any liability towards them they would need to do so.
The position with the joint loan is different and it would seem that you will have responsibility to the lender for the full amount if this is not paid by your husband.
Liability between your husband and yourself for these family debts is again a different matter. Whilst you remain married any court is unlikely to get involved and repayment is largely a matter for you and your husband to try to agree between yourselves. Should you decide to divorce however payment of these debts would come up for consideration in the financial settlement

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