<prompt> Human: Mom visited last weekend and we talked lightly about finances because shell be retiring in a few years. She remarried about 15 years ago to a guy who has not held a full-time job since shes known him. He finished his Bachelors degree while they were together, and continued through his masters. Ive lost track of degrees earned because he seems to always be taking courses but never arriving at a destination. Theyre in their mid 60s and hes currently taking a prerequisite course for a very different field of study from that of his Masters. At this point, nobody really believes hes going to start working in a full time career. So I asked my mom, half-joking, if hes constantly in classes in order to continue deferring payments on the loans. As moms are wont to do, she dismissively shrugged and indicated that that could be the case. I asked what shell do when the loans come due, and how bad of shape she will be in if he dies before her reasonable possibility due to health concerns. She said it would be at least another mortgage payment, which she couldnt afford, but shes not worried because, as she stated, the debt dies with him.It seems reasonable to think that debt existing before the marriage may continue in the name of the individual. But it seems like debt accrued during the marriage would be considered a joint responsibility. Im very much wanting her to be right, but that doesnt seem like a reasonable assumption.Followup question: I dont know that hell be able to continue taking classes up until his very last breath. Suppose as his health declines, he ends up unable to continue courses. Is there any way, short of declaring bankruptcy, that he would not become liable to begin paying on this student loan?If he has medical bills piling up at the same time as student loan payment kick in, I fear it could ruin her. But it seems unreasonable to think that people lending the money are going to simply write it off. Is there any way that she doesnt get blind sided by reality when his time is up?They have lived in New Mexico for the entirety of their marriage. Would the outcome be different if they move to another state while in good health?I do not know any details of the loans whether federal, subsidized, etc.  <response>: I can only answer one part of this. Bankruptcy doesnt wipe away student debt. 