When a couple divorces there are many issues that have to be dealt with.
Often times lawyers are busy with other issues and don't put enough emphasis on the importance of joint credit.
Joint-borrower-loans that were acquired during marriage keep both parties liable for the repayment of that loan, even after the divorce.
Parties may have an agreement within the divorce decree specifying which party is going to repay the loan, however the creditor can hold liable both parties for the debt.
Not repaying such a loan can destroy the credit score of both parties.
If the ex-husband agreed to pay of the loan but chooses not to do so, the spouse has to pay the loan to keep her credit from deteriorating.
If the spouse does choose to repay the loan, in order to protect her credit score, she can later sue the ex-husband for the repayment of those funds.
However, if you thoroughly address joint credit accounts during the divorce you might save yourself from having to attend to these issues after the divorce.
First, during your divorce make sure that all of the joint accounts are being paid of, even if you have to pay for your spouses credit cards.
Having both parties on a credit card will deteriorate the credit score of both parties if the bills are not paid.
Second, attend to every account with high precision.
Close all accounts that have open credit line.
Leaving a credit line open will allow your spouse to continue using the funds on the credit line, leaving you liable for the money spent.
Attempt to get rid of all loans that have joint spouses under the account.
If the loan is split between both parties, upon divorce, each party can take out a separate consolidation loan to pay of the joint account loan; leaving both parties with separate accounts that each is personally liable for.
Although, if you don't wish to close the account, for concerns of hurting your credit score by closing the account, you can certainly freeze it, making it impossible for the other spouse to charge more debt.
Which ever option you choose, make a phone call to the creditor asking them to close, freeze or to split up the loan.
Follow with a letter informing the creditor of your decision and ask them to write a confirmation letter.
All documentation should be kept for records.
Taking such steps during a divorce will free you from further headaches and possible litigations that come after the divorce.