Law...

Are Any Debts Chargeable To the Other Spouse?

After the separation, but before the divorce, Susie Spender wildly overdraws the balance on her separate checking account to pay for a vacation holiday.

Susie can't pay the piper, and the hotel now wants to collect from Titus.

In general, the hotel is out of luck. Having relied on Susie's credit in providing her the hotel services, they may not go after Titus, even though the divorce is not final.

However, many states have exceptions for Susie's purchases of necessities like food, basic clothing and shelter. For those items, the law sometimes provides that Titus is liable for Susie's purchases on behalf of herself and any children, until the divorce is final.

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