Who is responsible for paying debts in a divorce?

In Maryland, the court will determine who is responsible for paying debts in a divorce. This will depend on the type of debt, how it was acquired, and how it is categorized by the court. Generally, a court will consider whose name is on the debt or who benefited from the debt when making its decision. If the debt was acquired during the marriage and it was a joint debt, then both parties are responsible for it regardless of whose name is on the loan. For example, if a couple gets a loan to purchase a car, both parties are still responsible for the debt in a divorce. If, however, one spouse acquired a debt prior to marriage or on their own, then they will be responsible for it. This includes any credit card debts, student loans, or other personal debts. The court may also consider which spouse benefited from the debt when making its decision. If the court is unable to determine which party is responsible for a debt, it may split the burden of it between the two parties. The court will also consider the ability of each spouse to pay the debt when making its decision. Overall, the court will make a determination of who is responsible for paying debts in a divorce. It will consider the types of debt, who acquired it, and who benefited from it when making its decision.

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