How To Protect Your Credit During a Divorce

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hands of wife and husband signing divorce documents, woman returning wedding ring

Jul 30, 2025 | Content

Divorce affects more than your personal life. It can also seriously affect your finances, including your credit rating. Joint accounts, shared debt, and late payments can all harm your credit score. Lenders do not care that you are going through a divorce. They simply want payment. An experienced attorney can help you understand how to protect your credit during a divorce and start anew with solid finances.

Separate Joint Accounts Early

One of the most important steps you can take early in the divorce process is closing or separating joint credit accounts. Even after divorce, creditors can still hold you responsible for any debt on accounts that remain in both spouses’ names. If your former spouse misses a payment, your credit score could drop. Even if a court order says they are responsible for the payment, your credit will suffer if your name is on the account.

A good starting point is identifying joint credit cards, shared lines of credit, and co-signed loans, such as auto loans or mortgages. Where possible, request to close these accounts or convert them to individual responsibility. For larger debts, such as a mortgage, refinancing may be necessary. Your divorce attorney can work with a financial team to properly handle these changes, helping to shield your credit.

Monitor Your Credit and Set Alerts

It is important to closely watch your credit throughout the divorce process. Regularly monitoring your credit report can help you catch mistakes, missed payments, or unauthorized activity. Helpful steps include enrolling in a credit monitoring service, setting up alerts for new accounts or late payments, and checking your credit reports on a regular basis. If you see anything suspicious, address it immediately. An experienced Atlanta family law attorney can also help enforce court orders if your ex-spouse fails to follow financial agreements.

How Do You Move Forward?

One of the most effective ways to maintain and rebuild credit as you separate your finances is to continue paying your bills on time. You may also want to apply for a secured credit card or a low-limit card in your name. It is also beneficial to work with a financial advisor to build a post-divorce budget and credit strategy.

Talk to a Lawyer About Credit Protection Strategies During Divorce

It is natural to worry about your financial future when your marriage ends. Knowing how to protect your credit during a divorce is a key part of starting over with strength. Contact our team at Atlanta Divorce Law Group today to set up a consultation. Our lawyers can inform you of your rights and responsibilities. We can also work with you on the next steps in your divorce so that you can move forward with confidence.

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How To Protect Your Credit During a Divorce

Separate Joint Accounts Early

Monitor Your Credit and Set Alerts

How Do You Move Forward?

Talk to a Lawyer About Credit Protection Strategies During Divorce

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