How to Get a Former Spouse's Information Off Your Credit File

Keeping tabs on your credit score and transactions can be challenging without the added difficulty of dissolving a relationship where credit lines are often shared. Even more daunting is the process of trying to sever financial ties with an ex-spouse. Diligence is the key, and there are a few tips and tools that can help you work through the process

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• journal or planner

1. The first thing you must recognize is that any agreements you and your former spouse mutually agreed upon with a company or institution will always pre-date the dissolution of your relationship. In short, they will require that both of you honor whatever commitment you made to them originally. You'll find little to no legal recourse to remedy previous financial commitments, regardless of what is issued in a divorce or separation settlement. If your details of your divorce outline a particular obligation by your ex-spouse to previous financial commitments, your recourse (should he/she not fulfill the divorce agreement) is to contact an attorney to pursue legal civil remedy. It is wise to try to work together even in the aftermath of a relationship to honor joint financial obligations; otherwise, both parties risk credit and legal ramifications, which can be costly.
2. On accounts where your ex-spouse is listed as an "authorized user," such as on a credit card, this only authorizes them to use the card for purchases. It does not obligated them to the repayment terms. You should immediately contact all credit cards that have your ex-spouse listed as an authorized user to have him or her removed. Be sure to keep records of when you called, who you spoke with, and if possible, any email or written confirmations of your request.
3. There are a number of free credit report services that allow you to check the status of your credit score and any issues against your credit. Be aware that many of these services are selling an ongoing service for credit reporting, but the initial report is often free and may be all you need to give you the information you need. You may be able to see where your ex-spouse is still listed on bills or bank accounts, and you can then take measures to contact them directly to have it corrected. In many cases, banks, credit unions and other financial institutions will not change the status of names on an account without closing the account entirely and allowing you to reopen it. In any case, you should thoroughly document any contact you have with businesses and banks. If you need to revisit the issue with them it will help you move quicker and more smoothly through the process if you can give them as much information about your situation as possible.
4. Send written requests to individual businesses, credit card companies, and banks to have your ex-spouse removed from your accounts. It can only be to your advantage to mail these with delivery confirmation required, and always keep a copy for your records.

Tips & Warnings

• When in doubt on financial matters, always consult an attorney or financial consultant.
• Keep accurate and thorough records of all signed documents and correspondence.