Credit scores are important, more than ever. When you separate or divorce, special care needs to be taken to protect your scores. Duriing these times of chane , it might be wise to shop around.

To avoid any major hits on your credit report, you need to do something pro-active to weather the financial storm on the horizon. Many financial experts say that woman suffer more in the area of finances than do their male counterparts. This is largely because even today more men are the primary credit qualifier for obtaining mortgages and credit in general. Whether male or female, without a solid credit history in your own name, you won't be able to qualify for refinancing the marital home.

High interests loans can really increase not only the amount of your debt, but it will lenghten the time that you take attempting to dig out of the hole.

Pay up joint debts and cancel joint credit cards after you get a card in your name.

. Separate joint debt into manageable chunks.

If you're merely a credit card user on your spouse's card, remove your name.

When it comes to the family home, consider selling it if necessary. If one of you can buy the other out of the marital home, it can avoid a lot of delay and uncertainty, especially in a declining housing market. If the buying spouse can qualify for a new mortgage in his or her own name, there can be creative options in further dividing marital assets and debts.

For some reason, it often sees like car loan agents have the least sympathy when it comes to working out delinquent payments. Car companies know that you need wheels and they therefore can lean on you when necessary. Stay on top of your car loan payments.

When the tough times hit, hope for the best, but plan for the worst. Take precautions to protect your credit and your good name. Regardless of a divorce, if there is joint debt - a mortgage, car loan or credit card --- you are both on the hook to pay it off.

When divorce cripples the family budget, not only does the stress level rise, but so too, does the likelihood of filing for bankruptcy. Despite new laws enacted in 2005 that tightened the requirements for bankruptcy, many people still see it as an easy way out of crushing financial debt. Unfortunately, some spouses also believe bankruptcy will allow them to escape their spousal or child support obligations during or after the divorce; wrong.

Quality legal advice and guidence is a must if bankruptcy is a consideration.