What happens if my partner files for a bankruptcy or proposal – Am I responsible?

2014-02-13

""

This is a question that as Trustees we get asked a lot. The question you need to ask yourself is – “Did I co-sign or endorse” my partner’s debt?” This means, did you sign a document or a contract that acknowledges that if your partner cannot pay – you will.

Common types of these contracts are: mortgages, car leases, credit cards, etc. Credit cards are a bit harder to know because there are primarily 2 types: a supplementary card (where the primary holder is fully responsible) and a 2nd card where you are just as responsible as your partner for the total debts that are on the card.

How do you know which one you? Well, if you both have card and the statement is in both names, chances are you are both responsible for the debts. If you are not sure, the best way is to ask the credit card company for a copy of the original contract so that you can verify it.

Latest Blog Posts

2025-06-30

How do I respond to creditors?

Caryl Newbery-Mitchell

Credit Counselling

Here are the ABC’s of dealing with creditors and debt collectors.

Read More

2025-06-25

How to budget for inflation

John Athanasiou

The cost of daily goods has been rising over the past few years — increasing the price of food, gas, clothing, and many other essential items that Canadians need in their day-to-day lives.

Read More

2025-06-19

Options to consider if you can’t pay back your student loans

Dean Prentice

With the school year beginning and thousands of Canadian students beginning a new semester of post-secondary studies, all those hard-earned dollars from summer gigs are now being applied to tuition, books, transportation, housing, and supplies. 

Read More

Consultation icon