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Who's responsibility it is?

PrincessFiona's picture

Ok, I have a situation with my own divorce and ex that I need opinions on. Back when we divorced, 8 years ago, I took responsibility for paying off a joint credit card (his name being primary). Actually part of getting out of that marriage involved me agreeing to take on more of the marital debt than was fair. In any case, during the worst of our ecomonomy I was stuggling and got behind on the payments.

I had an opportunity to refinance and consolidate some debt so I approached xH about accepting a lumpsum settlement on the balance of the card, I would pay about 60%, him 40% but it would be taken care of and no longer affecting his credit. He agreed, read the letter of settlement offer from the credit card company, paid his share and we moved on.

Then tax time comes. He gets a statement for the amount that was written off to claim on his taxes. He insisted it wasn't his to claim so ignored it. I tried to ask the credit card company to change it to my SS# but they refused.

Now 4 years later xH is whining that he is accruing interest on an old unpaid tax liability. And that I should pay it.

So, Yes, I was responsible for the original debt in the divorce. Yes, I was responsible for getting behind on payments. Does any of that make him not responsible for agreeing to this settlement and the tax implication of it? I know he NEVER thinks he should be responisble for any thing that mean parting with his money. But I need opinions.

I actually did tell him that I would pay him for it because honestly it's not worth the ensuing conflict it would cause, just wondering where everyone's opinion came down on it?

Comments

PrincessFiona's picture

Unfortunately this is where money holds the power. If I refuse he drags me to court (which he can afford and I can not). It just not worth it over a few hundred dollars.

PrincessFiona's picture

Less than $400 taxes owed. I am going to pay him, it's not enough to start a war over on my end although most certainly is on his end, even when he is finacailly well off. I'm sure if it was turned around I would pay it and never mention it it to him as I don't want to stir up old monsters. But he is not that way.

I've just been wondering of the principle of it. Should it really be my responsiblilty?

Unfreakingreal's picture

Probably not your responsibility but some of these mothereffers will do whatever it takes to twist the knife. GIve him the money, tell him to shove it up his ass, he obviously needs it more than you.

Unfreakingreal's picture

If it's only a few hundred dollars pay it and get it off your plate. It's not worth the back & forth.

whatwasithinkin's picture

it is yours, if you agreed to take the debt and negotitated the deal on settlement...and I feel your pain Smile

tweetybird74's picture

I think the tax debt is your responsibility. You were responsible to pay off the credit card per the divorce agreement. Had his name not been on the card and you did the same thing then the tax amount would have been yours to pay. He actually helped you out by paying a portion of the debt even though he did not have to. Pay the $400 and be done with it.

stepmom22boys's picture

I would give him 60% and tell him he owes the other 40% since that is the share that each of you paid.

stepmomto3bioto1's picture

I agree- 60/40 as per your final agreement with him. Although- to save a lot of bs- id probably pay it too. Sometimes ya just gotta do it, to avoid the bs.