Dividing Debt in Paulding County
Skilled Attorneys with Decades of Experience
Getting a divorce can have a disastrous effect on your finances; in fact, it is among the leading reasons stated by people who declare bankruptcy across the country. While it is common to hear those who are involved in a divorce talk about getting their fair share in the division of assets—such as the house, cars, and anything else owned in common—it is less common to hear about the equally important division of debts.
Don't let your divorce wreck your financial stability! Contact Henrickson & Sereebutra for a completely free consultation with our Paulding County divorce team. We can represent your best interests throughout the process of ending your marriage and can work diligently to see that you are not left paying for your former spouse's debts.
How Is Debt Divided in a Georgia Divorce?
The divorce courts in Georgia follow the principle of equitable distribution, which seeks to divide marital property according to what is fair rather than what is equal. For example, if you and your spouse share $100,000 debt, you will not automatically be ordered to pay $75,000 of it. Instead, you might end up paying more than half—perhaps significantly more—if your spouse demonstrates that you are primarily responsible for the debt, such as through excessive credit card use, medical expenses, or gambling debts.
Similarly, you could avoid paying some or all of the debt if you can prove that your spouse owed the money prior to your marriage. The determination of who pays how much of the debt is largely up to the discretion of the judge; therefore, it is highly advisable to hire a family law attorney who is capable of making a persuasive argument on your behalf to help you avoid being left with an disproportionate share of the debt.
To learn more about the process of debt division in Georgia, and how it may affect your case, read answers to common questions below.
What Is Marital Debt?
Unlike property, which can be categorized as marital and non-marital, all debts acquired during the course of the marriage are "marital debt." Even if you acquired debt under your own name (ex: you took out a credit card alone), it would still be considered marital debt. For Georgia courts, the only concern is determining what debts were incurred after the marriage vows. Any debts that were in your name prior to the marriage will remain your sole responsibility; your spouse will not have to help pay for them.
Are Secured Debts Treated Any Differently?
Secured debts are those backed by some kind of collateral. So, a mortgage might be an example of a secured debt, whereas debt from credit cards would be considered unsecured. This matters as the courts may treat secured debts differently depending on the other circumstances of the divorce. For example, if you decide to keep the house after the marriage, you become solely responsible for the 'debt' of the mortgage. If you intend to keep possession of the collateral, you will need to refinance.
What If I Want to Pay off My Debts?
Often, couples will take the opportunity of divorce to reorganize their finances. In some cases, the courts may allow you and your spouse to eliminate the debt completely through the process by selling off your assets to pay them off. This way, both parties can have a fresh start.
Protect Your Financial Security: Call Us Today
Accurately determining who is liable to pay certain amounts can be challenging, particularly in a marriage of long duration where the spouses financial affairs have become extensively intermingled. You therefore may need to work with a professional financial advisor or accountant. In more complex cases, it may even be to your advantage to avoid having the judge intervene in the matter by pursuing mediation to achieve an out-of-court settlement.
For further help with your case, please contact our Paulding County divorce firm.

Reasons to Hire H&S?
We Provide Compassionate Legal Counsel-
Client-Focused
Client satisfaction is our top priority.
-
Proven Success
Our firm has an extensive track record of success.
-
Free Consultation
We provide free initial consultations to each prospective client.
-
Decades of Experience
More than 75 years of combined litigation experience.
-
Customized Strategies
We build aggressive and effective defense strategies.
-
Former Prosecutors
Former prosecutors with insight into the criminal justice system.

Providing Customized Solutions to Each Unique Case

View Us Through the Eyes of Our Clients
Read What Our Past Clients Had to Say-
“Marc was very attentive to my case. He diligently reviewed my case and handled it very professionally from start to finish. He is a very knowledgeable and very very good attorney. I couldn’t have ...”
- Nikki -
“Marc Robinson represented us during a child support matter and he is absolutely wonderful to work with. Marc was straight forward with us and realistic while being empathic to our situation. He fought ...”
- Suzann -
“Marc was great! He answered all of my questions, was very flexible with my schedule and helped me navigate through what should have been a trying and difficult transition with very little trouble. He ...”
- Jennifer -
“Marc really helped me in my divorce battle. He was dedicated and concerned for me and my son and responsible in getting me 50/50 custody in a "mother-friendly" state. He is not afraid to get dirty if ...”
- Steven -
“Mr. Robinson was very professional in helping me with my divorce and family issues. He was always easy to contact, very responsive and was an excellent speaker and litigator. He is very knowledgeable ...”
- Former Client -
“Marc Robinson was excellent to work with! He represented me in my divorce and the process was extremely smooth and simple. The price was exactly what he said it would be upfront. He was very easy to ...”
- Brittany