Chances are you know someone who is facing the challenges of divorce. Going through this

process can be emotionally and financially difficult. Failing to address important credit issues,

however, will only make things worse. Remember, a divorce decree does not absolve credit

contracts or relieve responsibility for any and all debt incurred during the marriage. The following

is a proactive plan to maintain healthy credit both during and after a divorce.

Equifax, and TransUnion®).

contact info, account number, type of account, balance, monthly payment, and the name of the

vested spouse.

that only the vested spouse's name remains attached to the account. Immediately close any unsecured accounts (e.g. credit cards,

etc.) with no balance. For those accounts with a balance, have them frozen to ensure no future charges can be made.

account, but both parties are still responsible in the eyes of the creditor if the debt is unpaid. If possible, pay off these accounts

quickly to help maintain good credit. However, if one party is ordered to pay off the debt of an open joint account, that party should

be sure that the title reflects this change to avoid paying for something he or she no longer owns.