How to Find a Spouse's Hidden Debt

Most people bring some sort of financial baggage to a relationship, whatever their age. It's usually best to be open and straightforward with your partner about the amount of debt you're in from the beginning, but there are those that refuse to face reality and bury their head in the sand. If you suspect your spouse is hiding debt problems from you, it's best to get things out in the open.

Instructions

1

Search your property for your spouse's financial paperwork. Although it's illegal for you to open your partner's mail, you can technically read any documents you find around your home that aren't under lock and key. Although the ethics of this type of activity is questionable, it may provide you with the information you're seeking.

2

Tell your spouse that you plan to get a good overview of your household's finances and need to run credit checks with the three major credit reference bureaus to find out exactly how much you both owe and make sure there are no inaccuracies in either of your reports.

3

Reassure your partner that you have his best interests at heart by trying to get a grip of your financial situation. If it appears that he's reluctant to apply for his credit report, gently explain that it's in your best interests as a couple to be honest and open with each other about your financial past and look to resolve any problems together.

4

Apply to the three main credit bureaus for your credit reports. Make sure you make an application for yours as well so as not to appear as though you're victimizing your spouse. Again, explain that you're both in this together and can work towards addressing any unexpected issues that may arrive form the contents of either of your reports.

5

Review the contents of both your reports and discuss your next move. If it transpires that your partner has been hiding a high level of expensive debt that you can't refinance and cannot pay, you should contact a nonprofit debt management agency for help and advice.