If my ex seeks debt consolidation/management for his credit cards that my name is also on, how is my credit affected?
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If my ex seeks debt consolidation/management for his credit cards that my name is also on, how is my credit affected?
As part of the divorce decree (that was done by mail and agreed upon by both parties), he was to be responsible for 2 credit cards that he opened but also have me listed as a co-account holder. Now that he cannot afford his payments and is delinquent, he is considering debt management. A company call me yesterday and asked me to agree to being on his debt management account for “no more than 5 years” while he pays off his balances. They promised it won’t hurt my credit if he makes his payments. How can I completely remove my name from any joint accounts? Do I have to take him to court?
Asked on September 17, 2011 under Family Law, Washington
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
You will need to have him take you off as a joint account holder -- especially if you are not the primary holder but a secondary account name on the card. If you can do this now, do it. Call the credit card company and ask to be taken off. If they refuse to do so without the credit card holder (primary) calling and doing so, immediately write to your husband and call and explain what you want done. Explain it will impact your credit and you do not wish to be obligated on his delinquent accounts. Further, immediately order your credit reports from the three top credit reporting agencies and put in a dispute on those cards.
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