Your spouse's credit history

Merging lives doesn't mean merging credit files.

Contrary to popular belief, marriage doesn't result in one joint credit file for both parties, says Ulzheimer.

When someone pulls your credit, whether you're married or not, the lender will see only your individual credit history, along with the debts and accounts with your name on them.

Some of those obligations may show that you're a joint account holder, co-signer or authorized user on certain accounts, says Ulzheimer. However, your report won't show the names of the other people on those accounts, or your relationships to them.

If you live in a community property state and your spouse defaults on his or her individual debts, then a collection action for the debts, which could be considered yours also, could show up on your credit report, he says.

One thing you might notice no matter where you live: When you pull your own credit report, some versions will include your spouse's name, says Ulzheimer. But the reports lenders and others view won't have that.