I mean, you can keep the memory of your ex alive – just ask Taylor Swift – but if you’re aiming to indicate divorce or an ex spouse as the reason for your financial difficulties, you’ll likely encounter the same issues that affect security clearance holders who try to blame their current spouse for their financial issues. When it comes to money matters, the buck stops with you.
True or False: Divorce Can Be a Mitigating Factor in Dealing with Debt Issues
A security clearance case on the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (DOHA) site highlights why cause of debt is the critical factor in financial issues security clearance cases – but following the paper trail truly matters. The applicant had held a security clearance since 2008 and had been divorced three times – twice prior to obtaining a security clearance and once after obtaining eligibility. The Statement of Reasons listed 15 delinquent debts totally more than $70,000. The applicant had not previously listed the debts and faced Guideline E (Personal Conduct) issues for failing to self report them. The applicant denied the debts as an issue because she indicated they were either paid, resolved, or her ex-husbands’ responsibility.
The applicant was able to mitigate several of the delinquent debts, but for many, she did not provide documentation, or any proof to back up her belief that the debts were not her responsibility. That included at least two debts that she applicant considered to be the responsibility of an ex.
Regardless of the cause or circumstance around debt, the best step security clearance holders or applicants can take are to be proactive around addressing the issues. If you truly believe the debts are not your responsibility, it’s not enough to say so. Without proof, through court orders, email exchanges or other records, you will likely be unable to mitigate the debt. Where proof of passing the buck is lacking, it is best to display how you’ll pay going forward. While the applicant had a 100% disability rating an income over $100,000, she offered no budget displaying how she would pay off debts going forward.
True: Divorce can be a mitigating factor – but you can’t play the blame game.
Circumstances outside of the applicants control can be used to mitigate delinquent debts and financial issues, and that can include divorce. But if you’re going to blame specific factors, you need to be able to correlate exactly how they caused the issues – with proof. If you’re expecting an ex to pay off debt or have financial issues that come as a surprise, do your homework and address them before you take your case before a DOHA judge. If you can’t – don’t be surprised if you and your security clearance are never, ever, ever getting back together.
