Credit checks during separation and divorce

t1gger

Hi,

I've been separated for 1.5years and the divorce is mid way through.

I want to buy a house this year (1st time buyer). I'm 30 and itchy to get on the property ladder as I want to be mortgage free by 50. I almost have a 10% deposit and have begun browsing some properties.

My question is; as I am legally separated from my wife, will a mortgage credit check still check her by association? We have no financial ties at all, no shared assets or money flowing either way.

Same question for post-divorce. Would they know we are now divorced and not check her credit record? Should I be writing to credit agencies to inform them of the divorce?

The reason for the question is that when we were together I kept out credit files very clear but I know that since we separated she has missed credit payments on her phone.

Many thanks

CLAPTON

have you checked your credit files to see what they say?

t1gger

Yes, regularly checked.

Mine is clean with a good history of regular credit payments.

Hers is ok but has some missing payments now, which is my concern.

kingstreet

Check all three CRA files;-


Equifax

https://www.econsumer.equifax.co.uk/consumer/uk/gb_consumerletter.ehtml

Experian

https://secure.wiseconsumer.uk.experian.com/wiseconsumer/secure_index.html?data=00

CallCredit

https://www.callcredit.co.uk/stat-report-online/index.php?action=register_display&tpl=regPurchase

If you find any remaining associations, ask the CRAs to forward disassociation forms to you so you can sever the connections.

t1gger

CLAPTON wrote: »

have you checked your credit files to see what they say?

Just realised what you meant here..

Our files say there are associations between us but they are all for previous joint accounts that no longer exist.

Actually I have just realised we still have an active joint account. I'll have that closed then write to the relevant agencies.

Does anyone know if they will search her report anyway pre-divorce, as I will presumably be asked for spouse details on the application.

Many thanks

kingstreet

You won't be asked for spouse's details.

You'll complete a sole application and indicate your marital status as "separated" or "divorced."

A lender won't specifically search your ex but her details will come up if those associations remain.

Get on with terminating any remaining joint accounts while applying for your credit files. Once you have them, ask for disassociation forms as I said. You can then add the file reference number to the disassociation form and this should speed up the disassociation process.

The CRAs may have online disassociation facilities;-

https://equifaxuk.custhelp.com/app/utils/login_form/redirect/ask/session/L3RpbWUvMTMyNjExMTQ3Ni9zaWQvZWY2LXJJTms=

but will need a file reference number first.

t1gger

That is extremely helpful, many thanks