My Ex-Spouse Has A Court Order To Pay Off A Joint Debt, But He Won’t Pay It. Does This Damage My Credit?


Yes, as long as your name is on the account or loan. If possible, get the debt entirely in your ex-spouse’s name. Transfer or consolidate balances on loans and credit cards. If your divorce has already been finalized, you might be able to show the lender your divorce decree and have your name removed from the loan (if the divorce decree states that your ex is responsible for paying the debt); however, this is not likely. If the lender won’t remove your name, ask your attorney about taking your ex to court for failure to abide by the existing court order.

Written By Kellam T. Parks
Kellam founded what is now Parks Zeigler, PLLC in 2012 to embrace modern technologies to best serve clients. This passion for technology led to the formation of the Cybersecurity/Data Privacy practice area making the firm a leader in helping businesses protect themselves and respond to incidents. When he’s not practicing law in this area and handling high-asset divorces, Kellam manages the firm with his co-owner, Brandon Zeigler, contributes to local and state-wide Bar associations, and frequently writes and speaks to audiences across a variety of sectors and geographic locations, including nationally on the topics of Cybersecurity/Data Privacy, digital evidence, law firm management, and technology/AI.
