If you spouse does not co-sign, he or she will not be personally obligated on the loan--though obviously, he or she will still be affected, should the lender seek payment from you, to the extent that your share of family or matrimonial assets could be reached, and your income potentially garnished.Whether or not your spouse has to co-sign depends on the lender. Lenders can set their own requirements for making loans--the lender  could choose to require your spouse to sign.