How Bankruptcy Can Affect Your Spouse or Partner

Are you worried about your debt and thinking about bankruptcy? You’ve come to the right place. Every month, over 170,000 people visit our website seeking advice on sorting out their debts.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• What bankruptcy is
• How bankruptcy works
• The effect of your bankruptcy on your wife
• How bankruptcy might change your shared and sole assets
• Ways to reduce your debt.

It’s common to feel unsure about seeking help when dealing with debt. In fact, Citizens Advice revealed that 60% of adults facing financial difficulties hesitate to seek assistance.¹

But you’re not alone. We understand your worries and are here to explain bankruptcy in simple terms.

What happens next after bankruptcy?

This is a common question asked by people considering applying to be made bankrupt. And it’s a common question among the partners of debtors considering bankruptcy. 

Just like Tigger asked here:

Source: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2091595/partners-bankruptcy 

Bankruptcy can affect a spouse or partner through joint debts, shared assets, household finances or a financial association on your credit files. This guide covers England and Wales.

Your spouse or partner does not become personally responsible for your sole debts just because you are married. Your own assets and your interest in jointly or solely owned property may be affected.

How does bankruptcy affect joint assets?

If you declare bankruptcy, your wife or husband can be asked to buy your share of the asset for its market value.

This is usually the case for property If this isn’t possible, a court order might be granted to force the sale of the asset. 

Your partner keeps the share that legally belongs to them after secured borrowing and relevant sale costs. That share is not automatically half; beneficial ownership may need to be established.

How will it affect sole assets?

Your assets as the bankrupt person will be subject to bankruptcy proceedings. They’re likely to be sold.

However, any sole assets owned by your wife or husband will be theirs to keep and won’t be forcibly sold. 

But there is an important exception to this rule which often affects couples…

A home in your partner’s name may be affected if you have a beneficial interest in it. Marriage or living there does not automatically establish that interest; ownership, contributions and intentions need to be assessed.

Contributing to the purchase, mortgage or improvements can be relevant, but does not automatically establish a particular share. Get legal advice if ownership is disputed.

There might be things you can do to prevent the sale in this situation. Speak with Citizens Advice for information. 

» TAKE ACTION NOW: Fill out the short debt form

How will it affect joint debts?

If you declare bankruptcy and have joint debts with anyone else, the other person is still responsible for the whole debt. 

This is because both individuals on a joint debt take full responsibility for the whole debt, technically known as “joint and several liability”.

For example, you might have taken out a joint loan with your wife in the past. If this loan hasn’t been repaid when you declare bankruptcy, your wife will still be obligated to pay back the whole amount – not just 50% of the loan. 

If your partner disputes being liable, for example because a credit agreement was made without their consent, they should get advice and raise the dispute with the lender. Other defences may apply depending on the agreement and circumstances.

But on the other hand, you could face more serious consequences if you committed fraud during the credit application to make it a joint debt. 

You might benefit from reading the pros and cons of bankruptcy. 

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Natasha

Very helpful and informative thank you

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References

1. StepChange – Credit safety net report