Are You an Authorized User on Someone Else's Credit Card? Here's Why You May Need to Disclose It in Your Family Law Case

When going through a divorce or child support case in Florida, financial disclosure is a key part of the process. Courts require both parties to provide mandatory financial disclosures, including information on bank accounts, income, and debts.

One area that often causes confusion is credit cards—specifically, when you don't have your own credit card but are an authorized user on someone else's account. You may think this doesn't count as a financial obligation, but in many cases, it does. Let's break down when and why you may need to disclose credit card statements, and how this can affect your case.

What is Mandatory Disclosure in Florida Family Law?

Under Florida Family Law Rule 12.285, both parties in a divorce, paternity, child support, or modification case must provide detailed financial information, including:

✅ Income

✅ Bank statements

✅ Tax returns

✅ Credit card statements

✅ Debt obligations

These disclosures ensure that the court has an accurate picture of each party's financial situation, which is crucial for determining child support, alimony, and equitable distribution in a divorce.

Where Do Authorized Users on Credit Cards Fit In?

If you are an authorized user on someone else's credit card (such as a family member's, a friend's, or even a romantic partner's), you may wonder if you need to disclose it.

The answer depends on whether you are financially responsible for the charges.

Do You Need to Provide Statements? It Depends on These Key Questions

1. Are You Responsible for Paying Off the Charges?

➡️ If YES, then this is a debt obligation that must be disclosed under Florida's mandatory financial disclosure rules. Even though the credit card is in someone else's name, you are the one making payments.

➡️ If NO, and someone else is covering the payments without any expectation of repayment, this could be considered a gift or income, which also needs to be disclosed in your case.

📌 Example:

Sarah is going through a divorce. She doesn't have a credit card in her own name, but she is an authorized user on her father's credit card. Each month, Sarah charges groceries and gas to the card, and her father pays the bill without expecting her to reimburse him.

In this case, the court may view these recurring payments as financial support (similar to a gift or income). Since child support and alimony calculations are based on all sources of financial assistance, Sarah's attorney advises her to disclose these payments.

2. How Does This Impact Child Support or Alimony?

Florida courts use the child support guidelines and consider all income sources when determining support amounts. If you receive regular financial assistance—such as a parent, friend, or new partner paying off your expenses—this may be considered income for the purpose of calculating support obligations.

📌 Example:

David is in a custody dispute with his ex. He doesn't have a traditional job, but his girlfriend allows him to use her credit card for everyday expenses. She covers the balance each month.

If David claims he has no income, but his bank statements show regular credit card payments made on his behalf, the court may determine that these payments count as financial support. This could impact his child support obligations.

3. What Happens if You Fail to Disclose These Statements?

Not disclosing financial information in a divorce or custody case can lead to serious legal consequences. If you fail to provide necessary credit card statements:

❌ You may be accused of hiding assets or income

❌ The other party can file a motion to compel financial disclosure

❌ The court may impute income to you based on financial benefits you receive

❌ Your credibility in court could be damaged

Judges in Florida take financial transparency seriously, and trying to avoid disclosure can backfire in your case.

What You Should Do If You're an Authorized User on a Credit Card

1️⃣ Be Honest With Your Attorney – Your lawyer needs to know who pays your expenses so they can properly advise you on disclosure.

2️⃣ Gather Statements – If you are financially responsible for any charges, collect the last 24 months of statements to comply with mandatory disclosure.

3️⃣ Determine if It's a Debt or Income – If you're paying it back, it's a debt. If someone else is covering it, it may be considered income in court.

4️⃣ Prepare for Support Calculations – If you receive regular financial help, be ready for this to be factored into child support or alimony decisions

Final Thoughts: Full Disclosure Protects You

At Family Matters Law Group, P.A., we believe in full transparency when it comes to financial disclosure. Whether a credit card is in your name or someone else's, if you're using it regularly, it may affect your case.

❗ Don't risk legal complications by withholding financial information—what you think is insignificant could be a major factor in your case.

📞 Need help navigating financial disclosures in your family law case? Contact Family Matters Law Group, P.A. today for a consultation.