 TITLE: How to Build and Maintain Good Credit at Every Stage of Life CONTENT: The Impact of Divorce on Your Credit\n------------------------------------\nJust like getting married, getting divorced in itself does not directly affect your credit score. Your credit report also won't show whether you're married or not. Still, it's important to keep close track of how joint debt is handled in a divorce, because a spouse's missed payments on a debt you share will affect your credit report and score.\nEven if a divorce decree says otherwise, you both remain legally responsible for a shared mortgage, car loan, student loan or credit card account you opened together. Creditors consider you both responsible for the debt as a joint account owner, which means your credit can be affected by payment history, and the debt will remain on your credit report. If your credit allows it, you may consider closing joint accounts or splitting them up. Closing accounts can have a temporary, negative impact on your credit score, but the peace of mind you'll gain will likely make doing so worthwhile.\nIn the nine community property states (Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin), debt that one spouse took on during the marriage is considered joint debt, which can make both spouses responsible for it if they divorce. Understand the rules in your state and discuss with a lawyer your options for making an agreement to divide up your debts. END