I will survive, debt free

CreditExpert warns that couples who once held joint accounts could be penalised for not declaring that they are newly-single and thus push themselves into debt.

“Divorce and break ups are a harrowing process but the situation can be made worse if you find your credit rating being affected by your ex-partner’s financial status,” said Jim Hodgkins, managing director of CreditExpert. “One of the first things to do when you split up is separate yourself financially from your former partner.

“It’s vital to keep track of your credit report and make sure your credit history is in order.”

Edward Smyth, family law partner at Edward St J Smyth & Co, added that while seeking a divorce can be an emotional period, one must not let their financial guard down and get into debt.

Individuals were urged to check their credit report to see if their ex is listed as a financial associate and if so, remove them.

Otherwise, a former partner’s poor credit impacts, such as County Court Judgements (CCJs) or bankruptcy, could have a lingering effect as damaging as the divorce itself.