Safeguarding Your Credit: How to Protect your Score During Divorce

Divorce is a difficult time, especially as it can affect your emotional wellbeing and financial stability. One critical aspect that is often overlooked is the impact of divorce on your credit score.
The financial disentanglement from a spouse can lead to missed payments, increased debt, and credit report errors, all of which can significantly damage your rating.
Ensuring to protect your credit score during this period is essential for your long-term financial health. Let’s outline the practical steps to help preserve your finances as you navigate this challenging period.
Separate Joint Accounts
One of the first steps in safeguarding your credit score is to separate joint accounts and debts. These accounts and debts tie your financial future to your spouse’s actions.
Start by closing joint bank accounts. If closing an account isn’t feasible, at least remove your name from it. Notify creditors about the separation and request that they report the accounts individually to credit bureaus.
This prevents any negative activity by your ex-spouse from affecting your rating.
Monitor your credit report
Regularly monitoring your report is crucial during and after a divorce. Check for any errors or unfamiliar activities that could harm your credit score. You can request free credit reports for extra peace of mind if needed.
If you notice any discrepancies, highlight them immediately to get them rectified. Staying vigilant can allow you to spot and address potential problems before they escalate.
Create a budget and manage debt
Divorce often results in a significant change in income and expenses. Creating a new budget that reflects your current financial situation is essential. Consider using the 50-30-20 rule as a guideline. This involves allocating 50% of your income to necessities, 30% to discretionary spending, and 20% to savings and debt repayment.
This structure can help you meet all your financial obligations while also working towards reducing debt.
Communicate with creditors
Open communication with creditors can be beneficial. Inform them about your divorce and any potential payment difficulties.
Many creditors are willing to work out alternative payment plans or provide temporary relief so you can manage your finances during this time. Proactively addressing these issues can prevent late payments and negative marks on your credit report.
Seek legal and financial advice
Consulting with specialist divorce financial settlement solicitors can provide clarity on how to handle shared finances following the breakdown of your relationship. They can offer guidance on how to equitably divide debts and assets, which can protect your credit score.
Additionally, a financial advisor can help you plan for your future, ensuring that you make informed decisions that benefit your long-term financial health.
Long-term credit protection
Protecting your credit score doesn’t end once the divorce proceedings have been finalised. Continue to monitor your report regularly and manage your finances responsibly.
Consider credit-building tools and products if your score has taken a hit. Credit-builder loans or secured credit cards can support you as you begin to rebuild your credit. Staying disciplined with your financial habits will help you achieve a stable and healthy score in the long run.