[jodi]

DH and I consolidated several years ago - but not together. We were told not to for the reasons listed above - that is something happened to one of us, we would then be responsible for both.
He has Sallie Mae Servicing, I have Nelnet - no problems or outstanding service from either, although I do remember Sallie Mae giving a credit in the past to DH for a perfect repayment record - no missed payments for so many months (I don't remember how many), but we had to start this all over when we consolidated - meaning those years of perfect payments might have added up to more credits if we hadn't, but at least this way we locked in a better rate (I also have a perfect record, but Nelnet has never rewarded this). DH's loans are now in deferment since he is back in school - we had no problem getting this. In fact, we didn't have to do anything to get it. The deferement automatically started when he took his new loans out.