Divorce can cause problems with your credit record. Even if your former spouse is ordered by court to pay debts from the marriage, you can become liable if they are not paid.

Here are a few suggestions to protect your financial standing:

• Notify creditors of your divorce.
• Joint Deposit Accounts – Close or separate join accounts, such as checking accounts, money markets, and or savings accounts. If you have direct deposits going into a joint account, other can withdraw the funds at any time.
• Joint Loans - If you have joint loans, such as a mortgage or vehicle, the court can order one to be responsible for the payment; however, contractually both are still liable until the responsible party refinances that debt into his or her name.
• Establish independent credit, if you do not already have it.