How to Inform Credit Reporting Agencies of a Divorce

Notifying each of the three consumer reporting bureaus of a divorce is important for several reasons. First, if your ex-spouse doesn't comply with the conditions set forth during a divorce and stops paying a jointly held credit card account, you are both held responsible for the delinquent debt obligation. Not only that, but your credit report and score may suffer if the delinquent bill is left unpaid for several billing cycles. Remove any opportunity for delinquencies or nonpayments to be reported on your credit file by closing jointly held accounts and updating your credit reports with the change.

Instructions

1

Obtain a copy of your credit report. If you have not already requested a free copy of your credit report from the Annual Credit Report's website, do so; however, keep in mind that you won't be able to make another request for one full year. TransUnion, Equifax and Experian--the three U.S. consumer reporting bureaus--offer credit report as well as credit report and score products. Charges apply.

2

Identify the accounts you jointly held with your spouse on your credit report. Look for your name and your spouse's name under each jointly held account. Note the name of the creditor along with the account number and issue date.

3

Place a consumer statement on each of your credit reports. Placing a consumer statement on your credit reports notifies creditors of your divorce status, which is necessary in the interim period during which your reports are being updated. Note the issue date of your divorce decree and explain that you are in the process of closing jointly held accounts.

4

Contact each of the three consumer reporting bureaus by mail. Notify each bureau of your divorce and provide supporting documents such as a divorce decree.

5

Make arrangements with your ex-spouse to repay the lines of credit using the assets from the marriage and close all joint accounts, which you can do only through your creditor.

6

Check your credit report in a few months to make sure that each account is listed as "paid in full" and that the notification regarding your divorce is noted.