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Why credit gets messy

Joint accounts, shared debts, and authorized-user arrangements created during the marriage do not unwind themselves at the decree. Your divorce judgment binds you and your spouse, but it does not bind the credit card company.

The first thirty days

Pull your credit reports from all three bureaus. List every account where your name appears. Close anything joint that has a zero balance, and refinance or pay off anything joint that does not.

Months two through twelve

Open a credit card in your own name if you do not have one. Use it lightly and pay it off in full each month. Keep your utilization under thirty percent. Watch your reports for any account your ex was supposed to handle but is now late on.

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Important
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or therapeutic advice. Please consult with qualified professionals for guidance specific to your situation.

Sources

Dr. James Chen

Contributing Expert, Financial Planning

Dr. James Chen, CFP®, is a contributing financial expert at DivorceHub. He holds a PhD in behavioral economics from NYU and has helped hundreds of individuals and couples navigate the financial side of divorce, including asset division, retirement planning, and post-divorce budgeting. James is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and frequent speaker on financial recovery after major life events.

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