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Ex is ruining my credit by not paying debt he agreed to in divorce

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What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Illinois

When my ex & I divorced in 2008, we agreed to divide up our credit card debt evenly. I paid off all the debt I agreed to keep and removed his name from these accounts. I went to make a large purchase a few weeks ago and was turned down due to a poor credit score. I couldn't believe it, since I'd paid off my bills years ago and only keep one card in good standing.

After obtaining a credit report, I found that the 3 cards he kept have been chronically delinquent. Last year, he didn't even pay one of them for 4 months straight!!! Needless to say, these 3 cards being delinquent month after month has ruined my credit.

I know there's no way to force the credit card companies to remove my name from the debt, since it was joint debt while we were married. However, can I require my ex to get a debt consolidation loan to pay off the existing debt, which removes me from the equation? That way, if he decides to keep being delinquent on his loan, I'm not a part of it? He could have his parents co-sign a loan, since his credit is definitely shot.

I am just flabbergasted that his financial irresponsibility can still negatively impact me all these years later...aarrgghh!!! We get along well, so it's not like we're on bad terms. I can sit and have a conversation with him about this.

Legally, is there any recourse for me or am I screwed if he doesn't agree to do the loan consolidation?
 


Antigone*

Senior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Illinois

When my ex & I divorced in 2008, we agreed to divide up our credit card debt evenly. I paid off all the debt I agreed to keep and removed his name from these accounts. I went to make a large purchase a few weeks ago and was turned down due to a poor credit score. I couldn't believe it, since I'd paid off my bills years ago and only keep one card in good standing.

After obtaining a credit report, I found that the 3 cards he kept have been chronically delinquent. Last year, he didn't even pay one of them for 4 months straight!!! Needless to say, these 3 cards being delinquent month after month has ruined my credit.

I know there's no way to force the credit card companies to remove my name from the debt, since it was joint debt while we were married. However, can I require my ex to get a debt consolidation loan to pay off the existing debt, which removes me from the equation? That way, if he decides to keep being delinquent on his loan, I'm not a part of it? He could have his parents co-sign a loan, since his credit is definitely shot.

I am just flabbergasted that his financial irresponsibility can still negatively impact me all these years later...aarrgghh!!! We get along well, so it's not like we're on bad terms. I can sit and have a conversation with him about this.

Legally, is there any recourse for me or am I screwed if he doesn't agree to do the loan consolidation?
You can pay the debts that are in your name in order to rehab your credit score (it will eventually rebound). Then sue your ex-hubby for the money owed.
 
You can pay the debts that are in your name in order to rehab your credit score (it will eventually rebound). Then sue your ex-hubby for the money owed.
Which means, this is going to cost me a small fortune...great :rolleyes: I doubt I'll ever see a dime of it back if I pay it off.

Well, I knew it wasn't going to be a pleasant answer! Thanks for your help :)
 

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