DIVORCED TO GET STATE AID

Hi,

I live in Ohio. Several years ago, due to medical problems and no insurance, my husband and I divorced. That way I could get aid from the state.

Well, I didn't get all my medical bills covered and have quite a large debt from unpaid bills. My ex now has a really good job and medical insurance. Our question is, if we remarry will he become responsible for debt I incurred while we were divorced? Please respond via my email address if possible, thanks for your time.

[Unsigned]

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Dear Unsigned,

Your question raises many legal and tactical issues.

Employing legal mechanisms (such as divorce) to circumvent laws is not uncommon. Sometimes it works; sometimes it backfires.

A major company is currently under close scrutiny for engaging sub-contractors that hired illegal aliens. According to TV reports, the state will try to show that the major company knew about the illegal aliens and was, in effect, complicit.

There is nothing wrong with hiring sub-contractors. There is a lot wrong with hiring sub-contractors that you know are engaging in illegal practices.

Uncle Jim's experience base indicates that legal mechanisms can often be used to accomplish illegal ends. However, if the cumulative result is illegal, the legal mechanisms will not excuse illegal intent.

Did you consider what would happen to your estate if you or your husband died during this divorce? Did you write a will for this special occasion, or just hope for the best? Did you consider the impact on pensions, Social Security, jointly held property?

Your request for response via E-mail leaves much to question. This is a public forum! To the best of my knowledge, if ANYONE encourages illegal conduct publicly or privately, THEY may face legal consequences. Do not ask or expect others to become part of your tactical divorce that may have unforeseen consequences.

Please think before you act. Your divorce, legitimate or fraudulent, didn't work as well as you dreamed. Learn from your miscalculation.

Get yourself a good lawyer. Only your personal attorney should advise you on the legal aspects of a second legal marriage following a tactical divorce.

Everybody's Uncle