If you have delinquent credit and are married, you might want to build your credit in your name instead of using your spouse. Somebody has to have stability. Also if you are divorced and all the credit cards of credit information are in your spouse's name you will need to re-establish your credit in your name. Getting your credit re-established is the first step to repairing your credit. 

When you obtain your credit report you will see that your spouse's name is listed on the credit reports. This is because together you and your spouse applied for credit cards, took out car loans or what have you. This means that you are responsible for your spouse's account. The advantage is that credit bureaus cannot list the negative accounts against you if you are divorced. Once you have copies of your credit report you will then need to cancel all joint accounts. If you contact the creditors to resolve the issues on your credit report is sure to ask the creditors to take in consideration your spouse's credit history. 

It is important to bring into light your spouse's credit history when applying for a loan. Let the lenders know that you are now divorced and starting your own credit line. If you apply for credit cards, be sure the cards are in your name and use them wisely since this helps to rebuild your credit quicker than most sources. Make sure that you pay minimum balance on the credit card accounts each month to avoid delinquencies. If at all possible when you see that your funds are low; pay your bills rather than making a purchase on your credit card. 

Once you bills are paid be sure to make a payment on your credit card. This method not only keeps you out of trouble with other creditors, but offers a solution for repairing your credit. If you can afford to pay your bills each month and use your credit card be sure to only purchase items you need and keep it at a minimal. If at all possible payoff your credit card balances each month to avoid interest.