Expert: Terry Leeders - 5/23/2008

Question
I am set to be married soon, and while my credit is stellar, my fiancee's is at rock bottom. He has not filed bankruptcy, but with his credit history probably should.

From my knowledge in the past regarding credit and marriage, I learned that our credit does not 'merge', but rather does not change unless we apply for credit jointly, then the check will look at our scores together, not seperately.

I had not thought of bankruptcy though- if we were to be married, would he filing for bankruptcy affect my score? None of his past due debts have my name on them. I own the house we live in, and have loans on the cars we drive in my name only.

Thanks,
Sarah W.

Answer
If he files bankruptcy before you get married, your credit score would not change.  You are correct if you have subsequent joint debts, those joint debts will affect each score, but the other person's credit history will not affect your credit history.