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

2026-07-13

MNP Consumer Debt Index: Nova Scotians caught in pre-spent paycheque cycle amid sustained cost pressures

Tina Powell

MNP Consumer Debt Index

Atlantic Canadians (68%) are more likely than those in other provinces to say at least half of their income is already committed to bills, debt payments, and regular expenses before it arrives.

Read More

2026-07-13

MNP Consumer Debt Index: Canadians caught in pre-spent paycheque cycle amid sustained cost pressures

Grant Bazian

MNP Consumer Debt Index

According to the latest MNP Consumer Debt Index, three in five Canadians (61%) say at least half of their income is already committed to bills, debt payments, and regular expenses before it arrives.

Read More

2026-07-13

MNP Consumer Debt Index: British Columbians caught in pre-spent paycheque cycle amid sustained cost pressures

Linda Paul

MNP Consumer Debt Index

According to the latest MNP Consumer Debt Index, nearly three in five British Columbians (58%) say at least half of their income is already committed to bills, debt payments, and regular expenses before it arrives.

Read More

Consultation icon