First of all,take a way the word "we" you are not responsible for your partners previous Shortfall or his ex wife and you disregard any income that you earn or savings etc! As you state going to court may cause you more stress! You have come to an agreement which has not been correct and as I stated in an Answer a few days a go borrowing or obtaining a Loan to service a Shortfall Debt can lead to other problems -as you have found out! You should go and see Debt advisor at the the CAb or Welfare rights if you have one in your own Town and let them deal with both the shortfall and your partners -income and expenditure and what you truly can afford!(posted 8685 days ago)Good Luck
Charles Twford