Divorce Affects Credit Big Time
Your marriage is about to dissolve in the divorce court. This is a tremendously emotional time in the lives of both partners. Both will need to learn about how financial issues affect each partner. You may want legal advice to help you with these issues.
It is strongly suggested that the financial issues be worked out prior to the actual divorce date. You need to examine the credit reports for each spouse. Any errors should be fixed so that both reports are accurate. Then you can see what credit issues need to be settled.
Joint responsibility for a home mortgage will need to be reworked. Such an issue needs careful management especially when child support and alimony is in the mix. It's possible that you may decide to sell the home and split the proceeds or you may sell the home to one partner as responsible party.
Other debts including cars, credit cards, utilities, loans also need to be only in one name. These decisions are not easy ones but are necessary.
When credit cards are in both names, get them changed to one name only. If this is not done and payments stop (even though one of you has been deemed responsible), creditors can come after the other partner. This can lead to going to "collection" and numerous unpleasant collection calls. Eventually this situation can lead back to court battles. You should know that the poor credit of one partner can affect the credit of the other.
Determine cash assets, decide on a split of same and close all joint checking and savings accounts. Then open new accounts with one name only. This way, neither partner can access the other's accounts.
It would be very positive if all joint debts could be paid even if some things have to be sold. This would ensure that each partner is responsible for his/her own debts. You want to move on with your life knowing that your financial base is secure albeit smaller than before the divorce.
Remember that even though the divorce decree spells out the person responsible for debts, this will not negate any joint financial responsibilities which can come back to haunt you if not settled prior to the final decree. Be proactive during the divorce process and get your financial status in order.
It is strongly suggested that the financial issues be worked out prior to the actual divorce date. You need to examine the credit reports for each spouse. Any errors should be fixed so that both reports are accurate. Then you can see what credit issues need to be settled.
Joint responsibility for a home mortgage will need to be reworked. Such an issue needs careful management especially when child support and alimony is in the mix. It's possible that you may decide to sell the home and split the proceeds or you may sell the home to one partner as responsible party.
Other debts including cars, credit cards, utilities, loans also need to be only in one name. These decisions are not easy ones but are necessary.
When credit cards are in both names, get them changed to one name only. If this is not done and payments stop (even though one of you has been deemed responsible), creditors can come after the other partner. This can lead to going to "collection" and numerous unpleasant collection calls. Eventually this situation can lead back to court battles. You should know that the poor credit of one partner can affect the credit of the other.
Determine cash assets, decide on a split of same and close all joint checking and savings accounts. Then open new accounts with one name only. This way, neither partner can access the other's accounts.
It would be very positive if all joint debts could be paid even if some things have to be sold. This would ensure that each partner is responsible for his/her own debts. You want to move on with your life knowing that your financial base is secure albeit smaller than before the divorce.
Remember that even though the divorce decree spells out the person responsible for debts, this will not negate any joint financial responsibilities which can come back to haunt you if not settled prior to the final decree. Be proactive during the divorce process and get your financial status in order.
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With never before seen challenges in the credit markets it?s more important than ever to have excellent credit. For more information check out Rob Kosbergs' Detailed FREE Guide on Maintaining and Repairing your Credit Score by going to Bad Credit Repair for your FREE information.
posted by Credit Counseling at
2:06 PM
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