I am so sorry for your situation.  Yes, it is true that the debt could be yours even though your name is not on it in a community property state such as California.  But maybe not if the debt incurred was not characterized as "marital" debt, meaning it was for the benefit of the marriage.  And if it only has his name on it that is a plus for you.  If not then you have a problem on your hands.  You need to seek some legal help here asap.  As for the car I really do not understand that part of the question.  If the car is both of yours and you both took out the loan then the amunt paid off was out of joint assets and the amount remaining is a joint liability.  Pleas eget help.  Good luck.