Jointly Liable
When two people are jointly liable, each is individually liable for whatever debt or obligation they have together. For example, if spouses both sign for a mortgage loan, they are jointly liable for the amount of the loan. Thus, if one spouse passes away, the other is liable for any remaining amount. When two partners are jointly liable for a debt and a creditor sues one partner and receives the full amount, the creditor does not have a right to later sue the other partner.
Severally Liable
Several liability is the opposite of joint liability. When two or more partners obtain a loan for which they are severally liable, each partner is only liable for their own obligation. For example, if three business partners co-borrow money for their small business and the loan agreement states that they are only severally liable, the lender may only sue the partner who fails to fulfill his obligation.