
Wives and husbands who file for divorce in China can now escape paying off debts incurred solely by their partner.
![Wives and husbands who file for divorce in China can now escape paying off debts incurred solely by their partner. [File photo: Chinanews.com]](http://www.people.com.cn/mediafile/pic/20180118/33/6474376644052729609.jpg)
Wives and husbands who file for divorce in China can now escape paying off debts incurred solely by their partner. [File photo: Chinanews.com]
The Supreme People's Court released a judicial interpretation on the country's Marriage Law on Wednesday to clarify how a couple's debt should be divided when they split up.
It defines "joint debt" as that accrued to cover family expenses such as food, clothing and medical care.
However, husbands and wives can now argue they should be exempt from repaying loans or other debts they had no knowledge of during the marriage, according to the interpretation.
In addition, a loan taken out for nonfamily expenses will not automatically be taken as joint debt, but if a lender demands a couple should share responsibility they must prove the money was used for family expenses.
The interpretation advises lenders to get both husband and wife to sign loan agreements, which means the repayments will automatically be seen as joint debt.
An interpretation of the law in 2003 stipulated that couples should share all debts from their marriage, even after a divorce.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses