I filed a 13 in April, and listed two credit cards that I'd shared with my mother. All of the debts on the cards were mine alone.
The card companies have continued to call my mother, pressing for payment. I gave her the attorney and case info, and instructed her to just give them that information and don't answer any further calls from them.
A few weeks ago, I discovered that she's been answering their calls and talking with them - arguing, really, and getting very upset and crying - as they've been telling her that I have no right to take care of her business for her.
They claim I'm not a co-signer or co-debtor on the cards, just an authorized user. When I completed the 13 paperwork, I questioned her about this and she was positive that I was, indeed, a co-signer. I thought so, too, as I've signed many things with her and for her as part of her (VERY small) estate - checking account access, etc. She's had these cards for years, and I don't recall signing them, but she was sure that I did.
NOW I realize that she may have confused "authorized user" and "co-debtor" all along, and she may still be on the hook for the balances.
If I'm understanding what I read here correctly, this distinction should have been indicated on my credit report. Shouldn't my attorney or the trustee have caught this?
The balances total about $20k. Paying them in full will completely wipe out her life savings. She does not own a home, only a late model car. I can make small payments on them, but that will require trustee approval, correct?
I just don't know what to do at this point. Suggestions? Please?
The card companies have continued to call my mother, pressing for payment. I gave her the attorney and case info, and instructed her to just give them that information and don't answer any further calls from them.
A few weeks ago, I discovered that she's been answering their calls and talking with them - arguing, really, and getting very upset and crying - as they've been telling her that I have no right to take care of her business for her.
They claim I'm not a co-signer or co-debtor on the cards, just an authorized user. When I completed the 13 paperwork, I questioned her about this and she was positive that I was, indeed, a co-signer. I thought so, too, as I've signed many things with her and for her as part of her (VERY small) estate - checking account access, etc. She's had these cards for years, and I don't recall signing them, but she was sure that I did.
NOW I realize that she may have confused "authorized user" and "co-debtor" all along, and she may still be on the hook for the balances.
If I'm understanding what I read here correctly, this distinction should have been indicated on my credit report. Shouldn't my attorney or the trustee have caught this?
The balances total about $20k. Paying them in full will completely wipe out her life savings. She does not own a home, only a late model car. I can make small payments on them, but that will require trustee approval, correct?
I just don't know what to do at this point. Suggestions? Please?
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