Are you going through a divorce? Don't overlook the power of your credit report in navigating the process. Here's why you should incorporate it into your strategy early on:

Uncover Hidden Debts: Credit reports hold valuable insights into debts, both known and unknown. By examining these reports, you can shed light on any financial obligations that may have been kept secret.

Distinguish Between Marital and Separate Debt: Understanding which debts are joint and which belong solely to one party is crucial in dividing assets fairly during divorce proceedings. Your credit report can help clarify this distinction.

Track Court-Ordered Payments: Ensure compliance with court orders by monitoring payment histories documented in credit reports. Any violations can be addressed promptly with the appropriate legal action.

Assess Creditworthiness: Evaluating credit reports provides valuable information on the financial reliability of both parties involved. This insight is essential for assessing the handling of future financial obligations.

What's Included in a Credit Report?

• Revolving credit accounts (e.g., credit cards)
• Installment loans (e.g., mortgages, auto loans)
• Opening dates of accounts
• Account balances
• Payment histories
• Account status (current or past due)
• Credit limits
• Bankruptcies
• Medical debts in collections
• Unpaid child or spousal support defaults
• Collection accounts

Protect Your Financial Health: It's not uncommon for one spouse to open credit accounts without the other's knowledge. Regularly monitoring credit reports is essential to safeguard against unauthorized activity.

How to Monitor Your Credit Report:

• Obtain a free copy annually from each of the three major credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, at AnnualCreditReport.com.
• Create a free Equifax account for six complimentary credit reports each year.
• Access a free Experian credit report by signing up for a free account.
• Request free TransUnion credit reports as needed.

Prevent Unauthorized Access: While it may be illegal to access someone's credit report without permission, it's wise to be proactive. Consider freezing your credit reports to prevent unauthorized inquiries during the divorce process.

Need Guidance?

If you have any questions regarding the importance of credit reports in divorce or any other inquiries related to the sale of your home, don't hesitate to reach out.

We're here to assist you every step of the way.