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Supreme Court to Focus Legal Spotlight on Spousal Guaranty Issues

By Dennis A. Dressler

Spousal guaranties are about to receive additional scrutiny now that the United States Supreme Court has decided to grant certiorari to a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit regarding whether a spousal guarantor is an “applicant” entitled to bring an action under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and related implementing regulation (Regulation B). The focus on spousal guaranties by the Supreme Court will create more awareness among borrowers and their counsel about this potential guarantor defense, and provide a reminder to lenders to make sure that their internal underwriting policies and guarantor forms are in compliance. Additionally, it is a good opportunity for lenders to update their forms to protect against the most common guarantor defenses. This article explores the Regulation B split over who can be defined as an applicant and provide guidance on compliance with ECOA and Regulation B on spousal guaranty issues.

The Genesis of the ECOA and Regulation B

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