Divorce can change more than your relationships and routines. It can change your money, too. Attorney fees, a new place to live, and setting up a home on one income can drain savings fast. On the Love & Money podcast, host and forensic accountant Tracy Coenen talks with National Debt Relief’s Natalia Brown about what happens when the “other D word” shows up during a split: debt. Their conversation gives clear, practical insight for anyone sorting through bills and big decisions after a breakup.
A common surprise is how debt responsibility really works. As Coenen notes, creditors look at the name on the account, not what a judge ordered. If a credit card is only in your name, you are still on the hook even if your ex was told to pay it. Brown explains how this confusion can lead to missed payments and lower credit scores, especially when joint accounts or authorized users are involved. Add the cost of the divorce itself and the emotional urge to spend for comfort, and it becomes easy to see how debt balances snowball without a plan.
Brown outlines the main paths people consider. Refinancing or a balance transfer may help if both parties cooperate and credit is strong. Debt consolidation is different from debt settlement, since consolidation replaces multiple balances with a new loan. Debt settlement, which National Debt Relief offers, focuses on negotiating down unsecured debts like credit cards or medical bills to a lower amount that can be repaid. Brown is clear that options depend on budget and hardship, and that a good program starts with an honest review of income, expenses, and goals.
The conversation gives simple steps that make a big difference. Know which debts are in your name. Gather statements before you call for help. Have a basic budget ready so you can talk through what is affordable. If your ex is supposed to pay a debt tied to your credit, consider how you’ll protect yourself if they don’t follow through. And if bankruptcy is on the table, understand its long-term impact and costs versus settlement or other routes. The point is to learn your choices and choose a path that fits your situation.
This episode is a steady, hopeful listen for anyone trying to rebuild after divorce. It offers clear language, real examples, and an open door to resources that can help you move forward with less stress and more control. You can listen to the full conversation on the Love & Money podcast to learn more.
