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Understanding Debts and Credit
A person's credit history is very important as it is a major means by which a particular creditor can judge whether or not you are a good risk for a loan or credit line. Your history reflects what you have done with previous loans/credit lines and your willingness to repay borrowed monies. This factor and your current income are what determine what is known as your "credit worthiness". It is your credit worthiness that will ultimately decide whether or not you will be granted the loan or line of credit you apply for.
Avoiding Surprise Debt
Obviously, both husband and wife are expected to meet an financial obligations taken on during a marriage. And, naturally, after a divorce is finalized, neither is responsible for the other's debts after that time. However, during the period known as separation, things can tend to be a bit more complicated. As a rule of thumb, debts incurred after the separation date are the responsibility of the party that generated such. However, the one notable exception would be those debts created by what are known as "family necessities". In other words, one spouse may run up a tab for things such as food, clothing, shelter, or medical care and may rightfully expect the other spouse to assume a portion of that obligation. Children by nature tend to create many of these family necessities. In the eyes of a court of law, it is these types of obligations that are of paramount importance.
It is also important to be aware that the general rule pertaining to separation period debt is not necessarily written in stone, so to speak. It is possible and there have been many instances where a creditor will attempt to collect from one spouse an outstanding bill accumulated by the other during the separation period. Also, derogatory credit marks accumulated by one spouse may be indeed transferred to the other's credit standing, oftentimes without that spouse's knowledge. It is for this reason alone is it never unwise to strongly consider the closing of all credit cards, etc., just after the decision to split is reached.
Keeping a Joint Account for Shared Expenses
It some cases, it might be necessary to keep a open a joint line of credit to pay for such things as child expenses or property maintenance during the separation. In this instance, though, it is strongly suggested that it is put down in writing exactly what the account is to be used for and what amount each spouse is expected to contribute towards that account. It is even possible to arrange things so that neither spouse can withdraw/spend any of the monies in that account without the other's written consent (for example, a check that requires two signatures to be valid). For the most part, however, it is recommended that no new joint accounts be opened.
During the separation period, in anticipation of the final divorce, it is also a good idea to obtain a copy of your individual credit report. In some cases, you may be entitled to your report free of charge, otherwise you can expect to pay a minor fee of roughly eight dollars.
Your individual credit report will be able to give you an accurate list of all your current outstanding debts as well as previous credit history. Should you find that errors have been made, there are avenues available through which your credit standing can be corrected. This information will also be made available via the credit bureau.
Preventing Bad Credit
Upon reaching the decision to separate, it might be a good idea to iron out with your spouse exactly for what joint debts whom will be responsible. Then letters can be written to the creditors asking that the liabilities be transferred solely to the name of the party that agreed to accept them. In some cases, creditors will not agree to this as they will continue to hold each spouse liable until such time as the debt is paid in full. However, in the event this should be the case, this is still a way to protect yourself from any future debt incurred by your spouse. It is also a way in which you can start and/or strengthen your own individual credit standing.
In some instances, one spouse may have assumed A the financial liabilities for one reason or another (i.e., one spouse did not have good credit whereas the other did; perhaps one spouse had no credit at all). Obviously, in the event of divorce, the spouse that did not have good or perhaps any credit will undoubtedly need to change that situation. The most prominent means by which to begin to accumulate credit is to open a savings or checking account to establish for creditors that you can effectively manage your money. In addition, such everyday items such as a telephone or television cable bill can be used as stepping stones to more major lines of credit as potential creditors can look at how you've done with these obligations and make their decisions accordingly.
Getting Help With Credit Problems or Questions
The Consumer Credit Counseling Service is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people understand, prevent, and solve credit issues. For people with severe troubles, there is a Debt Management Program through which CCCS can help to manage and repay debts by restructuring your budget and negotiating on your behalf with creditors. There are more than 1,000 CCCS offices throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada providing low-cost or even free services. It is their policy to turn their back on no one, regardless of ability to pay. To contact the nearest location, refer to the local telephone book or from a touch tone telephone dial (800) 388-CCCS.
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