{"id":351734,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/divorce\/credit-and-divorce.html"},"modified":"2024-09-18T18:56:00","modified_gmt":"2024-09-18T23:56:00","slug":"credit-and-divorce","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce\/credit-and-divorce.html","title":{"rendered":"Dividing Debt and Protecting Credit Scores in Divorce"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Dividing Debt and Protecting Credit Scores in Divorce<\/h1>\n
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\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

The divorce process can have a negative impact on your personal finances. Depending on your state laws, you may leave your marriage with significant debt.  Understanding how debt from divorce may affect your credit score will help you protect your financial standing. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

During the marriage, you and your spouse may have opened several lines of credit to support your life. New cars, education, and homebuying are typical reasons to get loans. You may have also opened joint credit card accounts.<\/p>\n

But in a divorce proceeding<\/a>, each person will walk away with a separate share of property. As with splitting a savings account or personal belongings, you\u2019ll also divide marital debt. Understanding the different types of debt and credit accounts opened during a marriage may help you prepare.<\/p>\n

See answers to frequently asked questions below:<\/p>\n