Opening New Lines of Credit During a Divorce

 Posted on June 19, 2026 in Divorce

Many decisions made during a divorce have long-lasting consequences, both personally and financially. One such decision may involve choosing between opening new lines of credit during the divorce or waiting until the process is finalized. If you are considering opening a new line of credit during your divorce, discussing the matter with your experienced Wheaton, IL family law attorney is prudent.

At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., we know that divorce can come with serious financial stress. As one of the most respected family law firms in the area, we can advise you of your best option to safeguard your wealth in the long term. We also have over 100 years of combined experience, allowing us to provide qualified, confident counsel.

Is It Worth It to Open a New Line of Credit During Your Divorce?

Opening new credit cards during a divorce can offer a sense of freedom and the ability to manage expenses. However, it can also complicate the division of assets and debts. Any debts incurred during the marriage, even if only one spouse's name is on the account, may be considered marital debts, potentially making both parties responsible for repayment.

Some spouses open a new credit card to cover basic living costs. Attorney fees, rent deposits, and everyday expenses can add up fast once a household splits in two. A new card can feel like a lifeline when joint accounts are frozen or disputed.

Others want to start building credit on their own. If most accounts were held jointly or only in the other spouse's name, one partner may have little credit history to show for years of marriage. A new card in his or her name alone can be a first step toward financial independence.

How Opening New Credit Can Affect Asset Division in Illinois

When dividing assets and debts, the court considers each spouse's financial situation. Opening new lines of credit can affect this evaluation. In turn, this could lead to an uneven distribution of assets or increased spousal support obligations. It may also complicate the process of determining which party is responsible for the new debts incurred. 

Understanding the legal implications is crucial before making any decisions. Laws regarding the division of debts and assets during divorce vary by jurisdiction. Consulting with a divorce lawyer can provide clarity on the specific laws applicable to your case and help you make an informed decision.

Does Taking on New Debt Affect Your Credit Score?

Opening new lines of credit while your divorce is still pending can have a direct impact on your credit score. A hard inquiry is placed on your report every time you apply for a new card. Multiple inquiries in a short period can lower your score. A lower score can make it harder to secure housing, a car loan, or other financial necessities once your divorce is final.

Post-Divorce Credit Scores

After a divorce, you could be managing finances on a single income for the first time in years. Lenders look closely at your credit history when you apply for an apartment lease or mortgage on your own. Protecting your credit score now gives you more options and flexibility once the divorce process is behind you.

Joint Accounts and Your Credit Report

If you and your spouse share joint credit accounts, both of you are still responsible for those balances regardless of what your divorce decree says. A spouse who stops making payments on a joint account can drag down your credit score even if you didn't make the charges. Talking to a Wheaton divorce attorney about how to handle joint accounts is a smart step early in the process.

What Illinois Courts Look at When Dividing Marital Debt in 2026

Illinois is an "equitable distribution" state, which means courts divide marital property and debt fairly, but not always equally (750 ILCS 5/503). A judge will look at factors like each spouse's income, contributions to the marriage, and overall financial picture. Debt you take on while the divorce is pending can be factored into that analysis.

Date of Acquisition

Debt taken on after the date of separation may still be treated as marital debt depending on how it was used. For example, imagine you used a new credit card to pay household bills that both spouses benefited from. In that case, a court could treat that balance as shared debt. On the other hand, debt used solely for personal spending is more likely to be assigned to the spouse who incurred it.

Documentation of Debts

Keeping detailed records of every charge you make on new or existing accounts is important during a divorce. Good documentation shows exactly how money was spent and can support your position in court if a dispute arises. Your attorney can help you understand what records to keep and how to present them effectively.

Steps to Take Before Opening Any New Credit During a Divorce

Before you apply for any new credit card or loan while your divorce is active, there are a few practical steps worth taking. Rushing into new financial obligations without a clear plan can create problems that follow you for years. 

Talk to Your Attorney Before You Apply

Your divorce attorney should know about any major financial decisions you're considering before you make them. What seems like a straightforward application for a new card can have legal consequences depending on where you are in the divorce process. At The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C., we work closely with clients to make sure financial moves don't create unexpected complications in their case.

Consider a Budget Based on Your Post-Divorce Income

Building a realistic budget around your anticipated post-divorce income can help you decide whether new credit is actually necessary. Many people find that careful planning reduces the urgency to open new accounts right away. If you do need credit, waiting until after the divorce is finalized is often the cleaner and safer choice.

Contact Our DuPage County, IL Family Law Attorneys

Deciding whether to open new credit cards during a divorce requires careful consideration. Contact the experienced Wheaton, IL divorce lawyers with The Stogsdill Law Firm, P.C. for practical legal guidance. Call us at 630-462-9500 for a private consultation.