Do you enter into marriage with the intention of sharing everything, including debt? Here is why you should think twice before marrying someone who is in debt
Love is said to be blind, but what if your partner is in massive debt? Is it still worth getting married? This article looks at whether it makes sense to marry someone who is in debt or not.
If you’re considering marrying someone who is in debt, there are a few things you should take into account. Though debt may not seem like the most romantic topic, it’s important to understand what you’ll be getting yourself into before you say “I do.” Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Will I Be Responsible for My Partner’s Debt?

Are you worried about taking on your partner’s debt if you get married? You shouldn’t be. In most cases, any debt that your partner has before marriage will remain their own responsibility. However, this may vary depending on the state you get married in, so be careful before marrying someone who is in debt.
The states listed below have laws that consider all property acquired during the marriage to be owned jointly by both spouses. This means that any debt incurred during the marriage, including a mortgage, is both people’s responsibility. These states fall into this category:
- Arizona
- California
- Idaho
- Louisiana
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- Texas
- Washington
- Wisconsin
Find Out If Your Partner Has Good Debt or Bad Debt
Debt comes in many forms, each of which should be evaluated separately. Here are some of the most common types of debt:
Consumer Debt

Before marrying someone who is in debt you should know that this is a big deal. If your partner has a lot of consumer debt, it’s important to talk about it openly. You’re entering into a long-term relationship, so you need to approach this conversation with understanding and patience, not judgment or blame.
You and your partner need to have an open and honest discussion about your finances. It may be that your partner had to stop working for a period of time to care for a sick family member and fell behind financially. Or, you may discover that your partner has a spending problem. Either way, it’s important to talk about these issues so you can make decisions about your financial future together.
Medical Debt

If you and your partner are facing a large amount of medical debt, you’re not alone. Many couples in the United States struggle with medical bills that can quickly add up. If this is the case for you, it’s important to evaluate your need for any upcoming or remaining medical treatments and the Insurance options available to you. By doing this, you can work together to find a way to manage your debt and get the care you need.
If your partner has medical debt from when they were uninsured, they may be able to get help paying it off. This is usually true for people who are now insured through government-provided insurance, especially if they’ve received emergency medical services. To reduce the bill, call the medical provider and see what options are available. It may be possible to set up a payment plan with a low-interest rate.
Educational Loans

As the cost of tuition steadily increases every year, student loans have become increasingly prevalent. If your partner has a lot of student debt, it can be a major financial burden on your relationship. So you should ask your partner about this before marrying someone who is in debt. However, there are government programs that can help alleviate some of this debt.
If your partner is contemplating getting a degree during your marriage, check if their employer provides tuition reimbursement. There are plenty of ways to get an education without spending a fortune. Work together to do some research because it could end up saving you both a lot of money down the line.
Mortgages

Before marrying someone who is in debt, it is important to have a frank discussion about your respective financial situations. Any debts that either of you may be bringing into the marriage. For example, if your partner has a mortgage, you may not be held responsible for this debt unless they refinance the property to include both of you.
Debt can be a tricky thing to manage in a relationship, but if your partner’s mortgage is something that brings in money each month through rent or Airbnb profits, it might be worth considering as good debt. Talk openly and honestly about the mortgage(s) your partner is responsible for and whether or not selling the property might be a better option if it seems to be more of a liability than an asset.
Business Loans and Debt

As a business owner, your partner may have some debt. They may need to take out loans to cover the costs of running their business, like paying employees, leasing a space, and other operational expenses.
Be honest with your partner about the business’s successes and failures before marrying someone who is in debt. Discuss whether the company is doing well or if your partner is struggling to keep it going. These details are important, especially in community law states.
Know Your Respective Views on Debt and Money

Debt is a touchy subject for many people. Having an open and honest conversation about debt is essential for any healthy relationship, whether it be between family, friends, or romantic partners. This is because our values and viewpoints on the debt will carry into our relationships. As a society, we earn and spend money every day.
Before marrying someone who is in debt, think if your partner is bad with money because it can put a strain on your relationship. If you’re trying to save up for something, like your future children’s college funds, and your partner is not on the same page financially, it can cause problems. Money is often a touchy subject, so it’s important to be able to communicate openly about your financial goals and concerns. Otherwise, small money disagreements can turn into big relationship problems down the line.
It is important to know what your collective and respective short-term and long-term goals are so that you can make informed decisions about where to allocate your resources. For example, if you have a goal of taking an annual vacation, you may need to prioritize saving up over paying down debt with large monthly payments. Planning, transparency, and communication can also help you achieve your marriage goals by avoiding potential conflict.
On the Same Page

The most important thing to do before marrying someone who is in debt is to figure out if you and your partner are on the same page about your shared vision for the future. Are you two against the world as partners with a shared vision? Or are you two people who love each other but will tackle your problems individually? If you don’t care to help your partner fix their debt, it’s important to have an open dialogue about how you will approach debt in your marriage so there are no assumptions or unmet expectations.
Working together towards a common goal is a great way to stay motivated and on track. Set yearly and monthly goals together, and make a plan to conquer your debts using the debt snowball method. This joint effort will help you achieve your goals more quickly and effectively. Make sure you are both committed to the plan and working towards the same goal so that one person doesn’t get bogged down while the other isn’t doing their part.
Money and debt are two of the most difficult topics to discuss, but having these conversations before getting married can save a lot of future trouble. We hope these tips and strategies help you have transparent financial conversations with your partner before marrying someone who is in debt.
Till Debt Do Us Part?
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