Most couples assume that debts are individual—if one spouse borrows, the other is safe. But hidden in state laws and financial agreements is a silent rule that can pull your spouse into the picture. Under certain circumstances, creditors can legally pursue a partner’s assets to cover debts, even if that partner never signed the paperwork. For married couples, this reality creates unexpected financial vulnerability. Here’s what you need to know about the rule that can turn one person’s debt into a shared crisis.
