my score was just below 600! I've divorced, the court has deemed her as soley responsible for the car

Quoting REAL PERSON
Bo,
I pulled my credit and found my score was just below 600! Several years back it was 775. In between, I've divorced. My ex-wife as failed to pay her car payments on time and they are listed as a joint account. I've contacted Ford Motor Credit and explained the situation including the fact that the court has deemed her as soley responsible for the car. They said that there was nothing they could do. Is there any recourse for me?
Secondly, a few years ago I took out a short term loan of $5k. I bought and sold a car and repaid the loan within a week. I asked (verbally) that the acct be closed. Several months later I received a bill for $40 or $50 as an annual fee. I called them and asked what it was for as I had closed the acct. They informed me that I didn't ask it to be closed in writing and I owed the money. I made the mistake of refusing to pay. It shows on my credit report that I was 180 past due. (I finally broke down and paid it).
I didn't realize that my stubborn attitude would affect my credit. Is there anything I can do about this situation?
THANKS REAL PERSON
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Absolutely nothing on the joint car account.
That is standard fare. You sign you get the credit bad or good. Incentive to pay on time.
Another boo boo. These loans, credit cards and other finance deals all have little catches we have to watch out for. They cought you in a trap made to help them collect fees legally. This trap is like a beautiful painting designed just for them. They intend to reap full benifit. You can add a 50-100 word explanation to the account on your credit report to make it easier for creditors to read and undertand but it will not help your score.
You might have been able to work a deal with them before you paid. Now it seems a remote chance. It sounds like you have tried.
I would suggest trying to build up newr good credit and waiting for time to pass as the most recent or 2 years back from today weigh the most on your credit score. Time heals all wounds. The entires will stay on your credit for 7 years unless, 1 you work out a deal, 2 the companies close or move and your information gets lost and you disute it with the bureau.
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