How Is Debt Divided In A Divorce In Pennsylvania?

There are several points of contention that will need to be resolved before any married couple is able to become divorced in Pennsylvania. In addition to discussions surrounding child support, child custody, and alimony, one of the most difficult issues to overcome is the division of  your property, assets, and debts. 

As you can imagine, figuring out who will be responsible for which debts can complicate the resolution process. Continue reading to learn more about how equitable distribution works in Pennsylvania and what to expect if you brought debt into the marriage. 

Equitable Distribution in PA

The division of assets and debts in a Pennsylvania divorce is not on a 50/50 basis. In fact, the state of PA follows the principle of equitable distribution, which means each spouse will be awarded assets and debts fairly but not necessarily equally. 

For example, one spouse might be required to pay off the vacation home you shared, while the other spouse may retain possession of your primary residence. This is true for assets, property, and debts alike.

What Happens to Debt Brought into the Marriage

Even though any marital debts you acquired together will be distributed equitably among both spouses, any debt that was brought into the marriage should remain yours. 

For instance, if your spouse had $100,000 in student loan debt when you married, you should not be responsible for repayment of these loans upon your divorce. Or, if you had considerable credit card debt prior to marrying, your spouse cannot be expected to cover these repayments in most cases. 

Meet with a Divorce Attorney in Pennsylvania

If you have additional questions about how the equitable distribution process works or if you need help resolving another marital dispute, contact a Pennsylvania divorce lawyer at Taybron Law Firm, LLC You can give our office a call at (412) 231-9786 or submit the online contact form below to schedule your initial consultation.