To add on to what the other poster said. If I don't pay all of the taxes that I should and we file jointly, my wife is just as liable as I am. If I file bankruptcy, my wife will be affected. If I started my hypothetical business, charged credit cards and didn't pay them (especially in a community property state), they could come after her resources.

If I make dumb decisions, my whole family is affected.

She might when it comes to asset forfeiture time.