Debt is formed whenever one of the two parties to any deal puts off turning over his end of the transaction -the money or the things or the work he is promising-but gets instantly the valuable consideration from the other party.
Are you Liable for the Debt?
Prior to agreeing to make repayments, always check that you owe the money. This is called being accountable for a debt. Many people are asked to reimburse the money they are not responsible to repay.
Speaking in general, unless you signed an agreement or acted as guarantor, you are not accountable for your partner's, or anyone else's debts. Council tax, and water charges are the two main exceptions to these things.
Did you sign an agreement?
For the purpose of getting money or goods on credit, most people will have to sign an agreement. You have individual liability, if you signed the agreement alone - you and no one else owe the debt.
You have joint and several liabilities, if you signed together with someone else. This means you will each be considered as owing the full sum.
It's not the reason for you to liable for their debts just because you live with someone, are married to them or just have the same address. However, if you live with them, you can be equally liable for council tax and water charges with your partner.
If you have signed as a sponsor for someone in the event that the other person does not pay, you have accepted responsibility for the debt.
By means of your name and without your accord, if someone signs an agreement, then, they may be guilty of fraud. In that case, you will require legal advice.
You may not be accountable for the debt, if you have been forced to sign an agreement against your will, e.g. by a partner, or you have been misled. In this case also, you require getting legal advice.
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