Going through a divorce is never pleasant – as Jonathan referred to it in an earlier post, it’s excruciating. In said earlier post, he talked about the fact that credit card debt and divorce don’t mix and why. I’m going to piggyback on that post and talk about 8 tips to help you divide that debt up with the least amount of pain and annoyance as possible. To refresh your memory, you can read Jonathan’s post here.

Tip # 1: Get your own credit card…now!

If divorce is imminent then you’ll want to start making preparations now. Divorces can ruin people’s credit, so it’s best to get your individual cards while you still have a decent score, just in case the divorce proceedings get a little messy. Besides, having you own card will make it easier to transfer your portion of the debt later on.

Tip # 2: Take an inventory of all the cards that are jointly held.

You don’t want any nasty surprises later on. Start looking at the financial picture now, while you’re still on speaking terms with the soon-to-be spouse. Go through your wallet and list the credit cards, then – as Jonathan suggested – pull a copy of your credit report to make sure that the cards are listed as open in both of your names. This will be important later on should your spouse try to say you owe jointly on a debt that is solely in their name. Keep all records!

Tip # 3: Call the credit card companies for up-to-date information.

Make a list of what is owed and the interest rates. Depending on where you are in the divorce proceedings, you may be able to freeze the card from further activity until everything is final. Check with your card company to see if this is an option. You don’t want your spouse running up the credit card just before a divorce and you being held partially responsible.

Tip # 4: Try to discuss how to handle the debt with your spouse.

I know that during a divorce sometimes there are bitter feelings and it can be hard to talk to the other person. However, an effort must be made to decide how to handle the debt. Discuss all of the options available. One of the easiest ways is to use any extra cash from a home equity to pay off the debt. When you sell the house, that debt can be repaid and then any remaining funds can be split between the two of you. However, if that isn’t an option then discuss how the debt will be split and transfer it to your individual cards. Once that’s done, close the joint account. It will be much easier and less of a hassle to resolve the issue yourselves. If the courts have to get involved, it could cause problems for you both later down the line.

Tip # 5: If you can’t resolve the debt peacefully, get a mediator.

This can often be a rather expensive option, and one more debt on the list of things to divide. However, if you find that you and the ex can’t be civil, this may be the only option.

Tip # 6: Keep an eye on your credit reports.

During a divorce it may be very beneficial to you keep up with what’s being reported about you to the credit bureaus. You’ll want to make sure no new accounts are being opened in your name, and that none of the old joint accounts have been reestablished and are now being used. I recommend getting a score watch program – I’m a fan of MyFico – and keeping that through the divorce proceedings and for as long as you feel is necessary thereafter.

Tip # 7: Make sure you change your address.

The ideal situation would be to sell the house and split the earnings; however, in many instances one spouse or the other will get to keep the house. In this case, if it’s you that is moving out make sure that you change your address with your creditors. Be sure to file an address change with the post office, but be proactive when it comes to your credit cards. You’re not likely to be told that mail is showing up at your old home, and you’re giving the ex access to a personal part of your new life. Save yourself a headache!

Tip # 8: Follow up and follow through!

If you work in the service industry, you understand the importance of this piece of advice. If you want customers to trust you and your product, you have to follow up and make sure that what you say will happen, happens. A divorce is no different in that sense. If you and your ex agree to a plan, then follow up and make sure it happens until the debt is paid off. If you just absolutely do not want to contact you ex, have your lawyer follow up with them. However, it’s your credit score on the line if the debt doesn’t get paid – even with a court order, it’s a pain to get the credit card companies to update information. It’s much easier to stick to the plan and get it over with.

And there you have it folks. 8 tips to help you get through your debt while suffering a divorce. No one is saying this will be easy – a divorce never is, even if the feelings for one another have dissipated. But, on this, you must be levelheaded and aware of your surroundings if you hope to have your credit come out intact. Starting over is hard enough, but doing so with bad credit is an uphill battle.