If you’re planning to file for divorce this year or are already splitting your assets with your soon-to-be ex-spouse, your credit is likely to take a hit.

Lenders do not honor court decrees that assign payment responsibilities for joint loans. The mistaken assumption that you’re off the hook for financial obligations can result in a series of missed payments that may trash your credit score for years.

Consider these tips from John Ulzheimer, author of “You’re Nothing but a Number” and an expert at Credit.com, a consumer personal finance site.

¢ If you have joint accounts with your spouse, do your best to turn them into individual accounts so that it will be easier for the divorce court to split up your financial responsibilities. Begin by converting your credit card accounts. People most often miss payments on this type of debt, rather than the loans that keep a roof over their head and wheels under their feet.

¢ Next, work on refinancing your mortgage and your car loan. Sometimes it might be easier to sell the car or the house, split the money and move on. That way, you’re guaranteed not to have credit damages caused by a vengeful ex-spouse.