What happens to co-owned debt in the case of a divorce?

[Rachel]

When it comes to a divorce and having co-owned debt, what happens after? Do both sides still have to complete payments together? Or will one side be forced to take on the debt? Or will the debt be split 50% and each have to pay half? 

[James]

It will most likely end up split up in some way. Typically things are divided right down the middle including the debt or assets are sold to pay the debt before the division happens. 

[Stacey]

I think if there are joint accounts, they will be split but if a card is only in one person's name, like a credit line for example, only that person will continue to have that debt. This is at least what I know from a friend who's parents divorced a few years back.

[Emma]

If both names are on the contract or agreement of the debt, you both get half of what is left to pay back. It doesn't matter if one person caused the debt. I think you can bring this to court though and have it wiped if you can prove it was only your name, not your direct actions, that caused the debt.

[Damon]

45 minutes ago, Emma said:

If both names are on the contract or agreement of the debt, you both get half of what is left to pay back. It doesn't matter if one person caused the debt. I think you can bring this to court though and have it wiped if you can prove it was only your name, not your direct actions, that caused the debt.

This right here. If you both signed up for it, you both will be forced to pay your own halfs. I've heard sometimes that the debt can be put on one party. But I'm not 100% sure if that is true. I think the debt would have to be tied to someone via name or something.