Re: debt and collections

Absent agreement, one spouse is generally not liable for the other spouse's debts. Likewise, a creditor, including the IRS, can not seize one spouse's property to satisfy the debts of the other spouse. Furthermore, if property is owned jointly by husband and wife as tenants by the entireties, a creditor of one spouse can not levy on such jointly owned property. The issue which you need to focus on is that your boyfriend's failure to file tax returns and pay taxes is a federal crime. If he has a successful business, that means he probably owes taxes. Sooner or later, he's going to need a good criminal defense lawyer. Good luck.

Re: debt and collections

Mr. Koch has given extremely sensible advice. Please note that your credit can suffer indirectly if you own property with him and that property is subject to a deed of trust. In particular, if your husband were to find it necessary to file a bankruptcy for any reason, freqently, mortgage lenders will report that fact on credit reports (i.e. because a property in which they have an interest is the subject of a bankruptcy). Although there may be some question about the propriety of this under the fair credit reporting act, it IS done that way and can be extremely difficult to counteract.

Lawrence R. Holzman, Esquire

Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, P.A.

6404 Ivy Lane, Suite 400

Greenbelt, MD 20770

(301) 220-2200

fax (301) 220-1214

Disclaimer: Please note that the posting of this response is not intended to constitute legal advice. You should contact an attorney to obtain information applicable to your situation. This posting is not confidential or privileged and does not create an attorney/client relationship.