Just a quick note of caution to those who are thinking about consolidating student loans with those of a spouse. Make sure that you are prepared to have your name inextricably tied to your spouse's name whether or not you divorce in the future. These loans can not be unconsolidated!

Absolutely - you always need to be aware that any credit you take out with someone else's name on the contract makes you liable for repayments if they fail to make them.

I knew someone who - for some reason - allowed their ex-husband to live in their old home that they'd bought together, expecting that he'd pay his side of the mortgage as expected.

He did for a while - then stopped paying.

Ended up she was held liable and had to declare bankruptcy because there was no way she could afford the outstanding debts - which had piled up over a year.

I nearly had a similar experience with a mortgage and divorce. When we divorced I decided to give up my interest in the house (be bought out essentially). My ex was unable to refinance and wanted to keep the mortgage in both names, saying he could be trusted to pay it, etc. I promptly said "not a chance" because what if he lost his job or something unexpected happened. Well, it was a smart move because six months later he lost his job and couldn't pay the mortgage. It's important to keep your focus on your own credit and interests!