- Joint debts
- Each person can be liable for the whole amount
- Partner’s own debts
- Not yours unless you signed too
- Credit files
- Joint accounts can create a financial association
- Support
- Free advice and specialist abuse support are available
On this page
Joint and several liability
If you and someone else take out a debt together, such as a joint loan, credit card or overdraft, the lender can usually pursue either of you for the full amount, not just half. This is called joint and several liability. Council tax for people living together, joint mortgages and joint tenancy rent work the same way.
Being married or living together does not make you responsible for your partner’s debts in their sole name. You are only liable if you signed up to it, for example as a guarantor.
Credit files and financial links
Joint accounts can link your credit files, which is called a financial association. Lenders may then look at the other person’s record when you apply. After a relationship ends, you can ask the credit reference agencies to remove the link with a notice of disassociation, once you have no joint accounts left.
Talk to a free adviser first
An adviser can look at your whole budget, deal with creditors for you and explain which option suits you. Get free debt advice.
If you separate or divorce
- Separating does not cancel a joint debt. You both stay liable until it is repaid, whatever a divorce settlement or agreement says.
- Tell the lender and try to agree who pays what, then close or freeze joint accounts and cards.
- Where possible, move the debt to one name or repay it, which may need the lender’s agreement.
- Keep paying the joint debts if you can, because missed payments hurt both credit files.
Your options
You can each deal with joint debts through the usual routes, and each person has to take their own decision.
- Agree a payment plan with the lender, or include the debts in a debt management plan.
- A joint or individual IVA is possible, but if only one person has an IVA, the other stays liable.
- Bankruptcy or a debt relief order for one person does not remove the other’s liability for a joint debt.
- Breathing Space applies to the person who has it, so each of you needs to apply.
If your partner dies
Debts in their sole name are paid from their estate and you are not usually liable. Joint debts, joint mortgages and anything you guaranteed remain your responsibility. Tell lenders what has happened and ask about support, and get advice if the estate cannot cover the debts.
Debt and economic abuse
Some people are pressured or forced into debts, or find debts taken out in their name without consent. This is sometimes called coerced debt and is a form of economic abuse. If this is happening, tell a debt adviser, and consider specialist support. The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is free on 0808 2000 247. If you are in danger, call 999.
Frequently asked questions
Am I responsible for my partner’s debts?
Not if the debt is in their sole name and you did not guarantee it. You are responsible for debts in joint names.
Can I be chased for the whole joint debt?
Yes. A lender can usually pursue either of you for the full amount. You may then be able to claim a share back from the other person.
How do I get a financial association removed?
Once you have no joint accounts, ask each credit reference agency to apply a notice of disassociation. They can also remove it if you were wrongly linked.
What happens to a joint overdraft?
Both of you remain liable. Ask the bank to freeze it or convert it to a loan in one name, and agree who will pay.
Can I take my name off a joint debt?
Only with the lender’s agreement, which they may refuse. They may want it repaid or moved to one person who passes affordability checks.
This guide gives general information and is not personal advice. Rules and limits change, so check with a free adviser before acting. Last reviewed 11 November 2026.