Chosen by Asker

Your confused on how credit works. When people get married their credit is not merged, secondly all debts incurred prior to marriage belong to only the person that incurred the debt even in a community property State which PA is not. The only way your bad credit will affect your Wife is if you two apply together for a loan.

Source(s)

Finance Manager for over 9-years / 2009 edition Consumer Action Handbook.

by SPIFIMAN1

1 month ago

Asker's Rating: 

First, any debts accumulated before marriage stay yours and the credit history on those debts does not transfer to your wife. However, your bad credit will affect your ability to purchase a house or get joint credit further down the road. In other words, any future credit will have to depend solely on your wife's history and income until and unless you get your history cleaned up and your debts paid off. This means a smaller house, less overall credit, etc.

by Steve D- 1 month ago

Your credit doesn't automatically join together just because you get married. It's only when you apply for credit jointly that it'll affect her credit.

by nottoday- 1 month ago

You each have separate credit files

by Craig T- 1 month ago

Your credit don't combine because you are getting married. I can see you care about her, otherwise you wouldn't ask this question. However, you could eventually weigh her down by accumulating more debt while she (assuming she will) help get your credit straight. I'm not saying that will happen, but couples help each other out the best way they can. I have been in the position to see that happen to other people and it ruin the relationship more often than not. Tread lightly.

by d h- 1 month ago