Many people plan on buying a new home people after they have moved out of their marriage. They find the exact place to start their new life and begin the process of qualifying for a mortgage…only to find out they don’t qualify.

Going from a marital partnership to an independent life turns finances upside down. The uncertain times during negotiations often result in everything related to money being put on hold until the settlement has been drawn up and approved. This is where some people get in trouble.

Here are 4 things you must know while you are working things out with your spouse, or even before, to put you in the best position to acquire new debt when you are on your own.