debt and divorce

Hi!
Welcome to the forums!
You and your ex-husband live in a community property state. So, both of you are liable for a debt incurred during your marriage. Though your husband has not informed you about the debt, you still owe $10,000.

As Nelly has suggested, Texas is a community property state. As the boat was purchased when you and your husband were married, you owe the debt. You will be liable to pay off a portion of that debt - $5000. You can negotiate with your ex-husband so that he pays off the maximum debt and you may put down a small amount of money toward the debt.

It would be a good idea to speak with your attorney about this one....true, its a community property state, but I dont know if something could be done about this because of the circumstances. I would definitely record the phone conversation with your ex and talk about how you cannot believe he bought a boat behind your back and didnt even tell you, and now he expects you to pay for it. I would get him on tape admitting that he did this--it might help. In Texas, community property can become separate property--ask your attorney about this process and see if it could apply to this situation. Also, while you could try to get the judge to order that your ex is financially responsible for the boat, that decision is not binding on the credit card company--that means they could still come after you if he doesnt pay them. Generally, your only option at that point would be to sue your ex for not paying his obligation and obtain a money judgment against him.

Greetings "Clara Wilson",

Sounds kind of sneaky to me.
As the others have suggested, go to your attorney and ask.

Was it an existing credit card?
Did he obtain a new credit card, joint application, forge your name?

What did the divorce decree state regarding debts/assets?

This is very interesting, please keep us posted.
King "Kash" Jabba Labba