Credit card debt could be yours, too

Dear Annie: My husband is overextended on his credit cards and sometimes skips several months of payments or juggles between one card and another. Creditors and collection agencies call our house all the time, and I’m losing sleep over it.

These accounts are in his name only. Our only joint possession is the house, which is paid off because I took over the mortgage payments years ago.

When I tell my husband that creditors are calling, he laughs and tells me not to answer the phone. How much financial risk am I assuming by continuing to be married to him even though these debts aren’t mine? I’d sign over the house to him and walk away in a minute, but I’m not sure it would alleviate my responsibility regarding his debts. – No Name, Please

Dear No Name: Some states have statutes that hold a spouse responsible for debts incurred for the benefit of the family. In other words, if your husband’s credit cards are overdrawn because he purchased groceries, medicine, etc., you could be sued to collect the debt. Talk to an attorney, and find out what the law is in your state.

Dear Annie: I’d like to voice my opinion to “Confused,” whose fiance objects to her using a hyphenated name when they marry. While I agree that he’s being immature and controlling to object so strongly that he’d call off the marriage, I’d just like to tell her that, over time, a hyphenated name becomes a pain in the butt.

“Suzy Smith-Jones” is a mouthful, even when the names are one syllable. It takes longer to sign your name. People get confused about how to address you. If you are listed on anything, often the order of the names gets reversed and results in difficulty locating your name.

I was attached to my maiden name, as well, but after 10 years of marriage, I just think of myself as “Mrs. Smith.” – Don’t Do It