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Getting divorced? Take steps to protect your credit

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Oct 29, 2018 | Property Division |

It’s normal to be emotional when you’re going through a divorce — and that makes it hard to keep your mind on practical concerns. However, paying attention to certain practical issues will make your post-divorce recovery a lot easier to manage.

In particular, you need to pay attention to what’s happening with your credit rating as a part of your divorce. What you do — and what your spouse does — can have a major impact on your credit score and affect your financial state for years after the divorce is over.

To make sure that you come out of the situation with as little damage as possible, here’s what you need to remember:

1. Know your debts

You may have debts you aren’t even aware you own — especially if your spouse has taken control of the finances over the years. Get a credit report from all three major credit bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax) and make sure you know all of your obligations.

2. Close joint accounts

Put a freeze on joint credit cards and joint checking accounts so that no new charges can be accrued. That way, you don’t have to worry about any surprises creeping up on you.

3. Refinance joint debt

Do not agree to keep any joint debts — even if your spouse agrees to pay them off as part of your divorce settlement. Refinance all the debt you are keeping as part of your split into your own name and insist that your spouse do the same.

Part of your credit score is dependent on how much debt is actually in your name — and having debt that isn’t really yours hanging over your head after the split will slow your financial recovery. In addition, if your spouse fails to pay what he or she owed, it will impact your credit negatively.

Dividing the marital assets and debts is a large part of the divorce process — the more you know, the better you can protect your interests!

I’ve been served divorce papers that include false allegations: what do I do?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Jun 6, 2025 | Domestic Violence

Receiving divorce papers is already overwhelming. When false allegations are part of the paperwork, the situation can feel even more difficult. It’s essential to stay calm and know how to address the issue. Here’s what to do if you receive divorce papers containing...

Do domestic partnerships affect divorce rights?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Apr 14, 2025 | Divorce

Domestic partnerships offer many of the same rights and responsibilities as marriage, but they can complicate the divorce process. If you're ending a domestic partnership, your legal path may differ from that of a traditional divorce, especially in California....

Moore / Marsden calculations in California divorce

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Apr 10, 2025 | Divorce

In California, Moore/Marsden calculations determine how to divide property when one spouse’s separate property has contributed to the acquisition or improvement of community property. These calculations ensure a fair division of property in divorce cases, particularly...

How can you document SP for asset protection?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Apr 3, 2025 | Family Law

When you're about to get married, it's important to think about how to protect your assets, including spousal support (SP) money. If you've received spousal support in the past or expect it during your marriage, you may worry about documenting its use—especially if...

What to expect during child support enforcement actions

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Mar 23, 2025 | Child Support

Child support represents the financial contributions a non-custodial parent makes towards their child's upbringing. It ensures a parent meets the child's basic needs, such as food, housing, and education. It also supports a child's wellbeing, especially when parents...

Can you reimburse expenses before child support orders take effect?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Mar 17, 2025 | Child Support

After a separation, managing child-related expenses can become a challenging task, especially before any official child support orders take effect. Many parents wonder if they can reimburse child expenses during this interim period. Understanding your rights and...

Do mothers have more rights than fathers in custody cases?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Mar 11, 2025 | Custody & Visitation

When it comes to custody cases, it is a common misconception that mothers have more rights than fathers. This often stems from historical trends and societal assumptions about parenting roles. Whether you are a mother concerned about maintaining your relationship with...

Why should you update your advanced directives during a divorce?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Feb 28, 2025 | Divorce

Going through a divorce is challenging. One crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is updating your advanced directives. These legal documents play a vital role in ensuring others respect your wishes, even when you cannot speak for yourself. Protecting your...

Can you protect yourself and your children without a divorce?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Feb 25, 2025 | Domestic Violence

Domestic violence creates a terrifying and dangerous situation. You may feel trapped, believing divorce is your only option for safety. The good news is that California law provides legal alternatives if your moral beliefs prevent you from getting a divorce. Let us...

What can California parents do if their child refuses to visit the other parent?

On Behalf of Cullen Family Law Group | Feb 14, 2025 | Child Custody

Dealing with a child who does not want to see their other parent can create stress for everyone involved. California courts expect parents to follow custody orders while being sensitive to their children's feelings. Parents can struggle to balance their legal...

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Recent Posts

  • I’ve been served divorce papers that include false allegations: what do I do?
  • Do domestic partnerships affect divorce rights?
  • Moore / Marsden calculations in California divorce
  • How can you document SP for asset protection?

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