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I have excellent credit, but my boyfriend is filing for bankruptcy. If we were to get married, could we co-sign on a mortgage for a new home? Or do we have to wait a while if we want both our names on the home?

Last Updated: December 22, 2010

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It would not be a good idea to "commingle" your credit history with that of your boyfriend if you were to get married. Keep all of your future loans and bank accounts separate, or his negative credit history can negatively affect your good financial standing.

A bankruptcy stays on someone's credit report for up to 10 years. You may be able to get a loan following a previous bankruptcy, but the loan will usually be at a higher interest rate.

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