Relationship break ups are plunging hundreds of thousands of Britons into severe financial difficulty every year – with many struggling to recover even in the long term. With this in mind, credit report provider Noddle offers some tips on how to stay afloat financially after a separation.
Relationships on Female First
DO:
Make a list of everything you own - Make sure you include all your possessions, big and small, so that you can decide, in a fair manner, how to split your assets. This can be based on actual value or sentimental value, but should be equal and agreed upon.
Divide your finances - Think about how you want to split joint bank accounts, divide up savings, remove a name from insurance policies and household bills. Make a list of all bills you pay jointly and separately and go through each one to assign responsibility.
Debts – This is where things can become tricky. Whether you are married or not, you are only responsible for debts in your own name, even if you have benefitted from the money. Debts can be a tricky area however and this may be where you need to seek legal advice or speak to a mediator.
Support your children – If you have children, try to agree on what you will each contribute financially to their care and/or education. This can be a large cost and should be carefully considered – try to split the payments in a way that is fair to both of you, and least impacts your children.
Take legal action - If your partner refuses to negotiate, or is ignoring your legal rights, you have the right to take your partner to court to mitigate against financial damage.
DON’T:
Take financial revenge - Don’t try and get back at your partner by running up debts in their name, freezing an account or not letting them know they have a payment they haven’t agreed to.
Ignore bills - Try to keep on top of your finances during this difficult time; don’t ignore letters from companies you owe money to, as this will only make your financial situation worse.
Think short term - Don’t try to make decisions that will make you feel better financially in the short term, e.g. applying for a new credit card or getting a loan. These decisions could be bad for you if made in the spur of the moment. Definitely try to resist the urge to go on a shopping spree or big night out to cheer yourself up – your bank account will thank you!
AND
A general tip for all couples (happy or not!) is that from the start it’s important to make decisions together and share the bill paying and application for financial products. While one of you may apply for a loan, the other would have a credit card in their name. This ensures that both credit scores are strong and show that you are financially responsible.
More help can be found at Noddle.co.uk