Protection from Separation/Divorce

[Anonymous]

My spouse & I are seperating. My spouse's credit is in the toilet (Bankruptcy, late payments, charge offs, repossession). We have no mutual property. I want to protect myself if they attempt to obtain credit in my name and/or attempt to sabotage my credit status. Has anyone had any experience in protecting themselves (Credit Guard, Theft Protection, Security Freeze) from spouses. I dont mind "paying" for protection but it has to be COMPREHENSIVE PROTECTION.

[marty56]

I would use a credit protection system that montors all 3 CRAs.  I think True Credit does.

I agree with 1000% that you need to do this.  You also need take your ex off your CCs if they are AU or joint and take them off any bank accounts as well.  Also check your states laws on debt obtained while being married to see if any of their debt is yours.

My friend at work credit score went down over 200 points because his ex wife maxed out all their joint/AU cards and took out loans in his name.  I begged him to get credit monitoring the moment he told me he was getting divorced but he didn't do it.

[203bravo]

If you use one of those services wouldn't you find out after the fact?  ie you would get a score update and find out you recently had a new acct and/or inq on your file. 

A freeze would stop any such actions on the front end.  You must call the CRB to lift the freeze when even you are seeking credit for yourself. 

By the tone of your post, you sound like there are specific reasons not to trust the integrity of the soon to be EX. If this is the case and you think this is something that may really be done, I would anything and everything to stop it at the start - not attempt to clean it up from the rear.

Maybe someone has other specific advice.

[MattH]

I think OP had better discuss this with his or her lawyer.

[sjrunamuck]

I've gone through a divorce, had no probs to report to you but would like to give a bit of advice.  Somewhere along the line, someone's going to be filling out a change of address form.  Just make sure what is filled out doesn't specify that it is a "family" change.

I specified family and am still getting junk mail in my ex's name.  And from what I understand, he's getting mail in my name also (I'm sure his new wife loves that!).  He's never lived at this address in the 4 yrs I've lived here, but the mail keeps coming.  That may tempt him/her to take advantage of the credit offers.

I've remained in the 700 club throughout so divorce doesn't always mean financial ruin.

[Cleanmachine]

I totally agree with "MattH"  This is too complicated an issue for the average person to handle.

Especially, if the OP lived or has lived in a Community Property State.

Divorce Laws, as well as Estate Laws very from State to State.

Discuss marital debt thoroughly with your attorney.