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Single Again: How To Financially Survive A Divorce
The MMI Online Articles are designed to inform, assist, educate and alert consumers.
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There is evidence that couples' financial problems are linked to increased levels of stress, conflict, and marital duress as well as decreased levels of marital satisfaction (Sanchez and Gager, 2000). Furthermore, financial problems are frequently cited as a major reason for divorce. Ironically, the financial problems that result from divorce may be even more severe. While it may be hard for people involved in an emotionally-draining divorce to clearly think about their money, it is absolutely imperative. One of the most pressing concerns of newly divorced people is determining who is responsible for the repayment of debt.
The first financial action after separation is to pull a copy of your credit report. You will want to review entries carefully and either close all joint accounts or change them to individual accounts. Alert your secured lenders of your marital status and instruct them not to allow any changes without your permission. You may also want to “freeze” joint bank accounts or divide any funds into two individual bank accounts.
As preparation for divorce, you and your spouse need to reach a settlement to present to the court. This settlement agreement outlines how your debts and assets will be divided; it also includes plans for spousal and child support. If the judge approves the settlement agreement, he or she issues a divorce decree. If no settlement can be reached, then the judge will issue a divorce decree at trial.
To avoid future problems, it makes sense to develop a plan to pay off your debts prior to your divorce. Remember, your divorce decree is an agreement between you and your spouse (not your creditors) on how your debts and assets will be divided. The contracts you signed with your creditors cannot be changed by the divorce decree. Whoever signed the original contract with the creditor will still be obligated to pay the debt after the divorce. That means you are still obligated on these debts and the creditors can report the derogatory status of these accounts on your credit bureau file.
As protection, your divorce agreement can include a clause stating that if the assigned debts are not repaid, you would be entitled to indemnification. After the fact, your only recourse may be to file contempt of court charges for failure to abide by the terms of the divorce decree. Keep in mind that still would not relieve you of your obligation on the debts.
Because divorce can be a very complex process, consider hiring a trusted financial advisor for help; be certain to ask about your advisor’s experience with divorce situations.
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