“Can I be held accountable for my future husband’s unpaid lawsuit after we are married?”

Not likely. His wrongs that made him liable sound like they happened outside of the marriage, so this would be his separate debt. A judgment creditor may be able to attach a joint account, and that will make you feel like you are paying part of it. Some collections agent may sieze all or a part of your tax return, and that may feel like you are being held liable. Someone might put a lien against some jointly held property (like a house) and you may not be able to sell it without clearing the lien to the extent of his ownership interest. So although it is not your debt, wherever you and he mix your resources, you may be dealing with it.

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Michael Durgavich is an accomplished attorney and mediator. Maintaining a general practice in the San Jose, California area, Mr. Durgavich specializes in family law, bankruptcy, and alternative dispute resolution. Mr. Durgavich can be reached through his website at http://www.MichaelDurgavich.com. Contact This Author

State laws vary, and the above is intended as general advice, and not direct legal advice regarding any one particular situation in any one state. For direct personal legal advice related to your own situation you should consult an attorney familiar with the laws of your state and with your situation.