Is there a legal form for this situation?

[Wondering in California]

Jurisdiction

California

Hello!
My husband is retired and in his late 60s --we've been married 36 years.
Recently, his once-or-twice-a-year interest areas have had an increased frequency--going to the horse races, to casinos, and to Laughlin and Las Vegas with his pals. He also has mentioned how nice it would be to have some *man toys* (he doesn't mean a leaf-blower....I'm concerned he may be thinking about buying a boat or a motorcycle but I could be wrong).
I'm a bit concerned that he will sign a contract, or take an advance on the credit card that is in both our names, and ring up some major debt!
Aside from taking my name off the credit card that is in both our names, is there any kind of a legal document I can have an attorney draw up, that we can sign, that will be an airtight document for his bills being his bills, and mine bills being mine? We've always kept separate checking and savings accounts, but have both our names on the household checkbook and as noted before, we share a credit card.
Is it possible, living in a community property state and being married, that I could get a document that would hold up in court so no creditors could come after me, should my hubby sign a contract for something, or get too involved with the ponies, the casinos, and man-toys??
Thank you so much!!!!!

 

[army judge]

Yes, there is such a document as the one you describe.
It's called a divorce decree.
You reside in a community property state.
Anything either of you do obligates the other.
The things you find disturbing are the things that drive some people to get divorced.
No adult can control any other adult, be they husband or wife.

Good luck.

 

[Wondering in California]

Well, drat and darn it all, Army Judge. I/we sure don't want to get a divorce! Maybe a post nup would cover this which would be weird after 36 years of marriage or, one of my friends (school teacher) suggested a Reconciliation Agreement (I've never heard of that!). Thanks for your input!!!

 

[army judge]

Well, drat and darn it all, Army Judge. I/we sure don't want to get a divorce! Maybe a post nup would cover this which would be weird after 36 years of marriage or, one of my friends (school teacher) suggested a Reconciliation Agreement (I've never heard of that!). Thanks for your input!!!

As I said, the only legal protection available to you, as regards your query is a divorce.

You reside in a state where your judiciary crafted "palimony".

Think about that, and it'll help you better understand the impact of a true community property state and its attendant legal doctrine.

I dare say we're contemporaries, if not peers, in the longevity of our respective marriages.

We consider ourselves equals.

I don't attempt to inhibit her actions, neither does she mine.

We act in our joint best interests in all that we do.

She spends money on things she desires, as do I.

Frankly at our stage of life, there's nothing we want that we haven't had.

Our mutual love and respect for our marriage keeps us both on the straight and narrow.
That, plus a very special milestone we're looking forward to reaching next August, 50 years of wedded bliss.

 

[adjusterjack]

Maybe a post nup would cover this which would be weird after 36 years of marriage or, one of my friends (school teacher) suggested a Reconciliation Agreement (I've never heard of that!).

A post nup contract between the two of you will only be enforceable between the two of you. It will NOT be binding on your creditors, who can still come after you for his debts on joint accounts..

You don't take your name off credit cards. The credit card company isn't going to give up one fish when it has two on the hook. You will have to cancel the card and get separate cards in each name and even that might not help.

 

[army judge]

You will have to cancel the card and get separate cards in each name and even that might not help.

Your incredibly accurate response eliminates that option.

 

[Wondering in California]

Thank you all for your help. This is quite an awesome site! Yes, Army Judge, I do think we are "of an age!" While I support hubby's autonomy, I do acknowledge that one of us often has more common sense than the other. LOL
Congrats in advance to Army Judge on your 50th wedding anniversary next August - that is indeed a special milestone and you have been truly blessed with one another.

 

[army judge]

Thank you all for your help. This is quite an awesome site! Yes, Army Judge, I do think we are "of an age!" While I support hubby's autonomy, I do acknowledge that one of us often has more common sense than the other. LOL
Congrats in advance to Army Judge on your 50th wedding anniversary next August - that is indeed a special milestone and you have been truly blessed with one another.

As I often remind my wife, you chose me, as did I choose you.

The SS Complain set sail decades ago. LOL

These days, rather than rail on about the things my wife does that I dislike, I've learned to voluntarily silence myself. A few days later she'll admit to me the folly of her choice. My learned response is, "Dear, we all have regrets. As you know, I've had quite a few, too."

The longer you're married, the easier it should become to remain married.