Does Divorce Hurt Your Credit? Here’s the Real Answer
Divorce doesn’t show up on your credit report, and it doesn’t directly lower your credit score. But that doesn’t mean your credit is safe. The financial decisions made during and after a divorce can have lasting consequences.
Many people are caught off guard by how quickly a divorce can damage their credit. Missed payments, joint accounts, and increased expenses can all take a toll—sometimes fast.
This article covers what actually affects your credit during divorce, the risks to watch for, and how to protect your credit score as you move forward.
Does Divorce Directly Affect Your Credit Score?
Credit reports don’t include your marital status, and divorce isn’t a factor in how your credit score is calculated. So technically, divorce doesn’t hurt your credit.
But here’s the catch: the financial fallout from divorce can.
If one spouse stops paying a shared loan, if your name stays on a mortgage you no longer live in, or if joint credit card balances spiral, your credit score can take a serious hit. The damage isn’t from the divorce itself—it’s from what happens afterward.
5 Ways Divorce Can Hurt Your Credit
Divorce often leads to missed payments, account changes, and financial strain—all of which can hurt your credit score. Here are the most common credit pitfalls.
Missed or Late Payments on Joint Accounts
If your name is on a joint credit card or loan, your credit score is tied to that account—no matter who agreed to pay it in the divorce. If your ex stops making payments, both of your credit scores suffer. That’s why it’s important to monitor all shared accounts, even after the divorce is finalized.
Division of Debt in the Divorce Decree Isn’t Enforced by Creditors
A divorce decree can say your ex is responsible for a certain debt, but lenders don’t care. If the account is still in your name, you’re still on the hook. That debt will continue to show up on your credit report, and any missed payments will impact your credit score.
Increased Expenses & Lower Income Post-Divorce
Divorce often means going from two incomes to one. You may be covering bills on your own, paying legal fees, or adjusting to child support and alimony. These changes can lead to higher credit card balances, missed payments, and a higher credit utilization rate—all of which hurt your credit score.
Closing or Freezing Joint Accounts
Closing joint credit cards or loans can help prevent future issues, but it can also affect your credit score. It may raise your credit utilization ratio or shorten your average credit age. On the flip side, if you don’t close the accounts fast enough, your ex could rack up new charges that you’re still liable for.
Potential for Identity Theft or Financial Abuse
In some cases, one partner may open new accounts in the other’s name, run up debt, or hide financial activity out of spite or desperation. This kind of financial abuse can destroy your credit score and take months—or even years—to clean up.
What Happens to Joint Debts After Divorce?
Dividing debts in a divorce is rarely clean or simple. Here's how different types of joint debt are typically handled.
Mortgage Loans
If both names are on the mortgage, you’re both responsible—even if only one person keeps the house. The best option is usually refinancing the mortgage into one person’s name or selling the home. If neither is possible, both parties remain legally liable, and any missed payments will affect both credit scores.
Credit Cards
Joint credit cards are one of the biggest risks in divorce. Try to pay off and close these accounts during the divorce process. If you can’t, consider transferring balances to individual cards and removing one person from the account. Contact your credit card issuer to see what options are available.
Auto Loans & Co-Signed Loans
If one person keeps the car, the goal should be to refinance the loan into their name. But lenders don’t always allow that. If you stay on the loan, you’re still responsible for payments—even if you don’t have the vehicle. Co-signed personal loans carry the same risk. If your ex stops paying, your credit takes the hit.
How to Protect Your Credit During and After Divorce
Your credit score doesn’t have to suffer just because your marriage ends. Taking action early can prevent long-term damage and help you stay in control of your finances.
Pull All Three Credit Reports
Start by pulling your credit reports from all three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You need a full view of what’s in your name, what’s joint, and what needs attention. This step helps you catch accounts you may have forgotten about—and spot any red flags.
Freeze Joint Accounts Immediately
If you still have joint credit cards or lines of credit, freeze them right away. This prevents your ex from adding new charges that you might still be liable for. Contact each creditor directly and confirm the freeze in writing. If possible, close the accounts once the balance is paid off.
Separate Finances Strategically
Open new bank accounts, credit cards, and utility services in your name only. Update direct deposits, auto-payments, and subscriptions to come from your new accounts. This helps you gain full control of your day-to-day finances without relying on shared access.
Communicate with Creditors and Lenders
Reach out to any lenders with joint accounts and let them know about the divorce. Ask if they offer options to restructure or transfer accounts into one name. While they’re not required to honor the divorce decree, many lenders will work with you if you’re upfront and proactive.
Monitor Your Credit Regularly
Use a credit monitoring service or set up free alerts through your credit card issuer or bank. Watching your credit closely helps you catch missed payments, identity theft, or account changes before they become bigger problems.
How Long Will the Credit Impact Last?
If your credit score drops during the divorce process, it’s not permanent. Most negative marks, like missed payments or high balances, lose their impact over time—especially if you start rebuilding quickly.
For most people, it takes between six months and two years to fully recover from divorce-related credit issues. The exact timeline depends on how much damage was done and how consistently you follow good credit habits going forward. Paying bills on time, lowering balances, and avoiding new debt can all speed up the recovery.
Final Thoughts
Divorce doesn’t automatically lower your credit score, but it often sets off a chain reaction that does. Joint accounts, missed payments, and financial stress can all take a toll if you’re not prepared.
The good news is that you can protect yourself. By separating accounts, communicating with creditors, and staying on top of your credit reports, you can avoid long-term damage and rebuild faster.
If things get complicated, don’t hesitate to work with a credit counselor or financial advisor. A little guidance now can save you a lot of trouble later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my credit score drop as soon as I get divorced?
No, your credit score won’t drop just because you get divorced. Credit reports don’t list marital status, and the divorce itself isn’t factored into credit score calculations. However, if bills go unpaid, credit utilization rises, or joint accounts aren’t handled properly, your credit score can be affected quickly after the divorce process begins.
Can I remove my ex from joint accounts?
In most cases, no—you can’t unilaterally remove your ex from a joint account. Both account holders must agree, and the lender must approve the change. For credit cards, the best option is often to pay off and close the account. For loans, you may need to refinance in one person’s name if the lender allows it.
How do I separate credit card debt in a divorce?
Start by identifying which accounts are joint and which are individual. If possible, pay off joint balances and close those cards. Another option is to transfer balances to cards held individually. Keep in mind that a divorce decree does not change who is legally liable to the credit card company—it only outlines responsibility between the two spouses.
What credit protections exist during a divorce?
There are no automatic credit protections during divorce, but you can take steps to reduce risk. Freeze joint accounts to stop new charges, pull all three credit reports to identify shared liabilities, and notify creditors of your situation. If you're concerned about potential abuse or fraud, you can also place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your file.
