When a marriage falls apart, former partners must divide their financial lives - often at a time when communication is most difficult. You and your partner must reach an agreement about the investments, debts and credit cards you took on as a couple.

A legal separation does not change your agreements with creditors. You could be liable for marital debts even if a court-approved decree orders your former spouse to pay them.

As you work on sifting through your debts and credit cards as a former couple, you must also prepare to stand on your own as a credit customer.