If you are facing divorce or separation you still have responsibility to pay all bills.

Until you can separate your accounts, neither of you can afford to miss a turn paying bills. During divorce negotiations, send in at least the minimum payment due on all joint bills. Miss even one payment and it stays on your credit profile for up to seven years…making it hard to obtain new credit in your own name.

Well-meaning friends and relatives may tell you to ignore making payments or to run up debts…very bad advice. Play by the rules and make all payments with at least the minimum due.

Your behavior now is most important in deciding whether you’re a good credit risk in the future. Even one late payment can affect your ability to get a mortgage.