To learn more about how a divorce can impact your credit, reach out to our skilled Shelby County, Tennessee divorce lawyer today. Our legal team is on your side to ensure you and your future are protected.
Can a divorce lower my credit score in Tennessee?
You will want to recognize that your credit report does not demonstrate whether you are married, single, or divorced, which is why adjusting your marital status has no impact on your credit. Although, keep in mind that how you handle any joint accounts with your former spouse can have an effect on both your credit report and your former spouse’s.
This is because accounts are documented for each person associated with it, which suggests that if you are listed as a joint owner, cosigner, or authorized user, you must bargain with that account before the divorce. That suggests closing the account entirely or otherwise ensuring your name or your former partner’s is completely removed from the account. So long as the account stays with both of your names on it, you are both legally responsible for it, no matter what other agreements reveal.
How can I protect my credit during my divorce?
If you are going through a divorce, you will have to start a new chapter on your own, which means that it is most important that your credit history is in its best condition. The best ways to protect your credit during the divorce process include the following:
- If you can, it is beneficial to have a civil relationship during the divorce process to avoid the pitfalls of a severe split. Working together to pay off and close existing joint accounts is the best possible method to protect your credit.
- If paying off and completing an account is not feasible, you should correct the account to an individual account. Reach out to each creditor and research the options obtainable with that lender.
- If you think an account is in your name only, double-check with the lender to ensure your spouse is not documented as an authorized user. If they are, make sure to have their name removed.
Recognize that one of the most important things is to make sure that payments are completed on time for any joint account so long your name is on it. By doing this, you can help ensure that you are making a clean separation without financial burdens that could trouble you even after the divorce is behind you. Give our firm a call today to discuss the details of your case further.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED TENNESSEE FIRM
If you require strong legal representation for matters of divorce and family law in Memphis or anywhere in Tennessee, contact Rice Law to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys today.
