Legal Question in Family Law in Wisconsin

How to stop wife from using credit cards in her name besides getting a divorce

We are in financial trouble due to my wife constantly charging things. I have taken away credit cards, but she just orders replacements. The cards she uses are in her name so I am told by the credit companies that I can't close them. Yet far as I know by Wisconsin State law I am responsible for paying her debts. I don't even know how she keeps getting them. She does not work or have any income. We declared bankrupcy about 5 years ago because of this same situation that she is leading us into now. I am not able to get credit, but she does. I cant take it any more she will not get a job to help us financialy, She will not cut back on expenses or use of cards even when I take the cards, she just gets new ones or uses the account number to pay for purchases. My question is there any other way other than having to file for a divorce to stop her from dragging us so deep into debt that we will never get out.

I know if I get a divorce I will be responsible for all of the present debit, but at least it would finally stop going deeper. I don't really want to have to go this route if possible because we do have 6 children together at home and I don't want to be apart from them, but I also don't want my life financially ruined because of h


Asked on 1/28/05, 1:05 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Mark Mahoney Cassiani Law Office, Wise Shepherd Law Office

Re: How to stop wife from using credit cards in her name besides getting a divor

Hello,

Eventually your wife will max out credit cards and won't be able to get new ones, but by then you might be too far into debt. Creditors could try to garnish your wages or put a lien against any assets. You could talk to a pastor, counselor, debt counselor (not consolidator, counselor). If you file for divorce, that will resolve which debts you will pay between the two of you. After divorce, creditors will go after whoever has their name on the credit card.

Once you get some counsel that applies to all the facts of your particular situation, then you can hopefully make a decision. This note is not legal advice or a legal opinion that you can rely upon because I do not have sufficient information to give you counsel.

Best wishes, Mark J. Mahoney

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Answered on 1/29/05, 9:12 pm


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