My ex-wife signed a $100K Parent PLUS loan. Am I morally obliged to pay it off?

MarketWatch

by Quentin Fottrell

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A man is grappling with the question of whether he is morally or legally obligated to help pay off a $100,000 Parent PLUS loan that his ex-wife took out for their son. The couple divorced after 28 years of marriage, and under state law, the debt remains her responsibility alone. The loan, which carries a 7%-plus interest rate, requires minimum monthly payments of $700, with the ex-wife covering the majority and their son contributing $200 each month. The son earns $45,000 annually and has no immediate plans to increase his income significantly. Parent PLUS loans are federal student loans that allow parents to borrow money for their children’s education. Unlike other loans, these are solely the responsibility of the parent who signed for them, in this case, the ex-wife. The man was initially unaware of the loan’s full details and assumed it was a smaller amount based on his ex-wife’s previous statements. However, upon discovering the $100,000 figure post-divorce, he now questions whether he should assist in repaying the debt. This situation raises important legal and moral considerations for individuals navigating shared financial responsibilities after divorce. While state laws typically do not require divorced spouses to assume debts taken out by their former partners, agreements can sometimes include shared obligations depending on the terms of the divorce settlement. The article highlights the importance of understanding loan types and their implications, particularly when it comes to federal Parent PLUS loans, which are non-dischargeable and must be repaid by the borrower regardless of marital status changes. For readers interested in finance and family law, this story underscores the need for clear communication about financial obligations during and after marriages. It also serves as a reminder to carefully review loan terms and consult legal or financial professionals when dealing with shared debts, especially those tied to educational expenses.

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Originally published on MarketWatch on 2/19/2026