As you consider divorce, it is important to also consider that separating from your spouse won’t automatically terminate your financial relationship, particularly when it comes to credit. Going through a divorce does not have to negatively impact your credit score if all financial matters are handled promptly and properly.

In the case where both parties are listed on an account, credit companies do not make provisions for dividing the debt because you have filed for divorce. A creditor’s primary concern is repayment of the debt and both parties will be held responsible for balances due, regardless of who made a purchase or otherwise created the debt.

If payments are not made on joint accounts (e.g., credit cards, car notes, mortgages, etc.), then both parties are held responsible and the resulting damage to your credit will likely remain long after your divorce is final.

Here are some considerations for managing your credit accounts, and credit score, during a divorce:

• If you can come to an agreement with your spouse for assigning credit accounts, then as soon as possible change joint accounts to individual accounts.
• Do what you can to settle outstanding balances with creditors. Call them to see what options are available and be sure to ask for a written confirmation.
• If you are unable to settle an account and you cannot come to an agreement with your spouse, then freeze the account so that it cannot be used to incur further debt.

After doing what you reasonably can on your own, then it is time to consult with an experienced family law attorney. Mediation may be an option to assist with settling credit obligations and determining who will be responsible for paying each debt.

Keep in mind, however, that during the divorce process payments must still be made to creditors. Even if an account is frozen to prevent additional spending, payments are still required on the outstanding balance. Avoiding or missing payments can lead to accumulating late fees and penalties, further damaging your credit score.

To help manage your joint credit accounts and financial responsibilities during divorce, contact Linda Sorg Ostovitz, Offit Kurman, P.A., (301) 575-0381.

ABOUT LINDA SORG OSTOVITZ

Linda Sorg Ostovitz is a family law attorney. Her legal experience spans more than 32 years. In this time, she has served as a leader, educator and advocate. Mrs. Ostovitz holds a prestigious fellowship in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. Currently, she serves as President for the Business Women’s Network of Howard County, by which she was chosen Woman of Distinction for 2014. Mrs. Ostovitz represents clients in Howard, Anne Arundel, Carroll and Baltimore Counties. Her practice focuses exclusively on divorce litigation and mediation, child custody and access, child support, alimony, business valuation, as well as property and asset distribution. In addition to providing legal representation in court, Mrs. Ostovitz provides mediation services to help families come to a fair and legally-sound conclusion outside of the traditional court proceedings.

ABOUT OFFIT KURMAN

Offit Kurman is one of the fastest-growing, full-service law firms in the Mid-Atlantic region. With over 120 attorneys offering a comprehensive range of services in virtually every legal category, the firm is well positioned to meet the needs of dynamic businesses and the people who own and operate them. Our eight offices serve individual and corporate clients in the Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and Northern Virginia markets, as well as the Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City metropolitan areas. At Offit Kurman, we are our clients’ most trusted legal advisors, professionals who help maximize and protect business value and personal wealth. In every interaction, we consistently maintain our clients’ confidence by remaining focused on furthering their objectives and achieving their goals in an efficient manner. Trust, knowledge, confidence—in a partner, that’s perfect.

You can connect with Offit Kurman via our Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and LinkedIn pages. You can also sign up to receive Law Matters, Offit Kurman’s monthly newsletter covering a diverse selection of legal and corporate thought leadership content.

MARYLAND | PENNSYLVANIA | VIRGINIA| NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK | DELAWARE | WASHINGTON, DC