 TITLE: Who Is Responsible for Credit Card Debt in a Divorce? CONTENT: How Will the Divorce Impact My Credit Score?\n--------------------------------------------\nYour marital status won't appear on credit reports, so it won't affect your credit scores. Joint accounts with your ex-spouse will have an impact, though, and could affect their credit score and yours for better or worse depending on how the account is managed. Accounts that you cosigned for your spouse or that listed you as an authorized user will also appear on your report as long as they remain open. This means if they make payments late, skip them altogether or run up the balance, your credit will be affected.\nIt's important to remember that divorce doesn't absolve you of your responsibility for accounts with your name on it, despite what your divorce decree may say. Even if your divorce decree assigns your former spouse responsibility for certain accounts in your name (or in the name of both partners), any missed payments or default on an account with your name on it will still be reflected on your credit reports.\nAccount payment history is an important factor in your credit scores, and late payments on accounts as a result of divorce can drag your scores down. That's why it's important to make sure you fully understand your debt obligations throughout the divorce process. If your former spouse is responsible for paying an account with your name on it, communicate with them to make sure the account is being managed responsibly. END