Opinion ID: 2025844
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Rowat Cut Stone Debt

Text: We have said that the allocation of marital debts inheres in the property division. In re Marriage of Johnson, 299 N.W.2d 466, 467 (Iowa 1980). In this case, the district court held Ray responsible for the entire $3042 debt to Rowat Cut Stone. Ray argues the loan was used to pay family expenses and therefore should be divided between him and Donna. Even though a debt may have been incurred by a party for family expenses, it is not inequitable to order that party to be responsible for the entire amount of the debt as long as the overall property distribution is equitable. Debts of the parties normally become debts of the marriage, for which either party may be required to assume the responsibility to pay. 24 Am.Jur.2d Divorce and Separation § 571, at 730. However, we recognize that Donna will be responsible for most of the marital debts, and that Ray's earning capacity is greater than Donna's. See Iowa Code § 598.21(1)( f ), ( i ), ( k ). These factors, as well as all other factors, including the allocation of all the debt between the parties, are considered in determining the equitable division of all property and debts.