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How do you plan on handling credit card debt in your divorce?

On Behalf of | May 4, 2020 | property division |

You likely have several items on your divorce checklist, especially for finances and assets. What do you plan on doing about credit card debt shared with your soon-to-be-ex-spouse? 

To help, see what U.S. News & World Report recommends. Make sure you do not make yourself responsible for your ex’s financial obligations. 

How do you determine responsibility?  

One of the first things you should know is that you bear joint liability for any credit card debt in your and your spouse’s names, which includes you being an authorized account user. No matter if you only contributed to a small percentage of the debt, you have a responsibility to pay it all. Even if you do not bear responsibility for a debt, a judge may decide that you do in your divorce decree. If your current spouse cannot keep up with debt payments, the credit card issuer could come after you for payment. 

How do you remove your name from an account? 

For shared accounts on which you only racked up a small amount, you may want your name removed. As long as the account has an outstanding balance, there is a slim chance of the credit card issuer removing your name. One option is to see if your soon-to-be-ex would transfer her or his debt to an individual credit card account. 

How do you work as a team? 

To protect your credit score after divorce and take care of credit card debt for which you bear responsibility, you must work with your current spouse. Decide how the two of you want to tackle your shared debt regarding making payments and possibly dividing accounts. In the meantime, close all joint accounts while paying them off. 

Do not let your financial health suffer after divorce. Use these tips to start your single life on the right financial foot. 

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