Bankruptcy law allows for eradication of debt. While there is an exception for child and spousal support, debt assumed by a party to a divorce can be eliminated, thus leaving the other spouse responsible to the creditors. In the recent case of Crittenden v. Crittenden, No. 2012-CA-00176-COA (12/10/13) the man tried that trick, but the Chancellor rectified the injustice.
The Chancellor held that the bankruptcy discharge of the ex-husband’s debt obligations was a material change in his circumstances, lowering his obligations, and thus allowing him to pay more alimony to the ex-wife who now had to pay the debts the ex-husband discharged. Way to go, Oktibbeha County Chancellor!
