How Can I Get My Ex's Debt Off My Credit Report?

Untangling your financial affairs from your ex-spouse's can be difficult after a divorce. Many couples have joint credit cards or other accounts that must be severed; failure to do so can affect your credit if your ex uses the account without paying the bill. If possible, work out a financial agreement with your ex during the divorce and close all of your joint accounts. Experian, one of the three major credit bureaus, also recommends both spouses taking out a loan to pay their portion of past debts to help sever financial ties.

Joint Accounts

If you and your ex jointly own an account that he owes money on, you are jointly liable for the debt. The only way to remove this type of debt from your credit report is to jointly request that your name be removed from the account. You and your ex must contact the creditor together. The creditor can transfer the debt solely into your ex's name or can close the joint account and open a new account only in his name.

Authorized Accounts

If you own an account by yourself but have authorized your ex to use the account, you will still be liable for any debt she runs up unless you remove her name from the account. Contact the creditor and explain the situation. Ask the creditor to remove your ex's authorization to use the account. You will still be responsible for any debt your ex incurred on the account prior to the date that you revoked her access to it.

Resolving Errors

If you have already detached yourself from a joint account but new debts your ex incurs continue to affect your credit, contact the creditor. Verify that your name has been removed from the account and remind the creditor that your ex is solely responsible for new charges on the account. If the creditor insists you are responsible anyway, dispute the charges on the grounds that you are no longer associated with the account.

Court as Last Resort

If your ex refuses to help you change joint accounts to sole accounts or does not pay her part of a debt per a divorce agreement, contact your attorney. You can sue your ex for the amount of debt she owes you or ask the court to split up the accounts for you. In many cases, you and your ex can settle the matter out of court by allowing your respective attorneys to negotiate an agreement.