Credit card debt

[D49829]

I checked my credit report yesterday for the first time ever, and discovered that there is a credit card with almost $10,000 on it that belongs to my ex-wife.

We were divorced in 2008 in Michigan, and I was not aware of this debt. The report states that I am a "joint" owner of this card. My ex-wife works for the Postal Service and the card is a "Union Plus".

Apparently I was listed as an "authorized user" since it was opened in 1993, but was not aware of that, and never used the card.

The account is listed as "Open/Never Late". It appears as though she has been making the minimum payments on the card, which means the balance is continuing to grow.

Am I liable for this debt?

Am I liable for the accumulated debt since our divorce was finalized?

How can I get this off my credit report?

I have been feeling very stressed since finding this because I have always paid off credit cards monthly, and have never accumulated any balance.

She didn't respond to my suggestion that she get a consolidation loan from her Credit Union to avoid these ridiculous interest charges, and I think she's allowing it to accumulate on purpose because she thinks I'll get stuck with it.

Thank you in advance to anyone who can help me!

Dan

 

[kimberlywrites]

I checked my credit report yesterday for the first time ever, and discovered that there is a credit card with almost $10,000 on it that belongs to my ex-wife.

We were divorced in 2008 in Michigan, and I was not aware of this debt. The report states that I am a "joint" owner of this card. My ex-wife works for the Postal Service and the card is a "Union Plus".

Apparently I was listed as an "authorized user" since it was opened in 1993, but was not aware of that, and never used the card.

The account is listed as "Open/Never Late". It appears as though she has been making the minimum payments on the card, which means the balance is continuing to grow.

Am I liable for this debt?

Am I liable for the accumulated debt since our divorce was finalized?

How can I get this off my credit report?

I have been feeling very stressed since finding this because I have always paid off credit cards monthly, and have never accumulated any balance.

She didn't respond to my suggestion that she get a consolidation loan from her Credit Union to avoid these ridiculous interest charges, and I think she's allowing it to accumulate on purpose because she thinks I'll get stuck with it.

Thank you in advance to anyone who can help me!

Dan

Hey Dan,
Found myself in a similar situation when me and the new hubby went to buy a house. All it took was a phone call to the bank/credit card, and also to the ex to get the ex's name off as an authorized user. the lesson learned - CHECK YOUR CREDIT REPORT ONCE THE DIVORCE IS FINAL. Not yelling, just emphasizing.

Have you asked the ex about it? That's your first step.

 

[KakitaOCU]

Depending on the financial institute you don't even need to talk to the ex. Like Kimberly mentioned, call the bank in question.

Make sure you know her name and possibly her social to make looking up the account easy. Advise that you discovered you are an Authorized User on her account and had not been aware, explain that you are now divorced and want your name removed from this account. Make sure you also tell them you want the trade-line deleted.

If you just get yourself removed then this account will remain on your bureau though it will list that you are no longer on it/it will no longer report monthly to your score. If you request the trade-line deletion then it removes it entirely from the bureau as if you were never on the account to begin with.

As an AU you are in no way responsible for the debt, it shows on your credit score, but the bank will not go after you except potentially as a way to contact the actual cardholder (Then they wouldn't try to collect from you usually, just want a phone number for her).

 

[You Are Guilty]

The report states that I am a "joint" owner of this card. . . Apparently I was listed as an "authorized user" since it was opened in 1993...

These two statements are mutually exclusive. Once you figure out which is correct, we can advise you further.

 

[mistoffolees]

These two statements are mutually exclusive. Once you figure out which is correct, we can advise you further.

Yes, OP needs to know exactly what it says.

While we're waiting, a little gratuitous advice for other readers. This account was opened in 1993 and OP didn't realize that it existed until now. The credit limit is apparently substantial since ex ran it up to $10 K. Folks, check your credit scores regularly. There are ways to get it done free and it can save you endless grief.