Can the bank report information on a debt of my ex-spouse on my credit report?
Yes, if the loan was a joint account. Joint credit account holders remain liable on the account until the debt is satisfied or some other manner of release occurs. If you are not a joint account holder and believe the loan is incorrectly appearing on your credit report, contact the bank.
When married joint account holders get divorced, consider that:
- The terms of a divorce decree are separate from the legal obligation of both parties to repay the debt under the account agreement.
- Although the creditor may agree to release one party, it is not legally required to do so.
If a joint debt incorrectly appears on your credit report, you may file a dispute with the credit reporting agencies. You may also file a complaint with the bank's regulator.
Last Reviewed: April 2021
Please note: The terms "bank" and "banks" used in these answers generally refer to national banks, federal savings associations, and federal branches or agencies of foreign banking organizations that are regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). Find out if the OCC regulates your bank. Information provided on HelpWithMyBank.gov should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion of the OCC.