keepinitreal

I'm so glad you posted this, nekom! I'm in the same boat as your wife. I owe Federal student loan debt and my wife doesn't. I had no idea there was an IRS Form 8379 for Injured Spouses. I'm 99% sure I'll need this form in the future. As far as having a joint account, I personally wouldn't take the chance. I'm keeping my checking account separate from my wife's. It's harder to get the money back once it's levied from your joint account than it would be to only keep separate accounts, IMHO.

Another question about this pending student loan default of mine. If my wife and I were to get behind on our mortgage payment and then file Chapter 13 (before my student loan defaulted), would the student loan not default until after the Chapter 13 was finished 3-5 years later? I realize the interest would still accumulate. The reason I ask is that I will be able to pay off the student loan in 2015 when I will receive a lump sum from my ex-employer for stock in the company. So, I don't want to owe up to 50% more because of a default on the student loan if I can find a way to avoid defaulting until 2015.

Thanks hoapres and lynninmn!

My first post here, it's a great site! I'm reaching the end of my 3-year unemployment deferments on Federal loans (Parent PLUS) for my 2 children that I began borrowing in 2004 and ended in 2009 when I was laid off. I'm still unemployed and in my mid 50's. I'm married and the loans are in my name only. I'm assuming that the following will happen if I don't find work and resume payments: 1) the loans will be declared in default 2) I'll get a lot of phone calls and letters about my debt 3) my wife, kids, relatives, and friends will get phone calls regarding me 4) I'll get sued for payment 5) I'll get a judgment against me 6) my bank accounts will be levied 7) if I do get hired, my paycheck will be garnished. 8) any future Federal and state tax refunds will be taken 9) the government will put a lien on my (underwater) house 10) when I retire, my SS check will be garnished. Can any of you think of other things that may happen to me that I haven't mentioned? Thanks in advance!