Son's name is on my account!

[isla1]

Years ago I added my son's name to one of my Card accounts. I have asked them to remove his name but they refuse because they say I authorized him as a joint account holder. We even filled out a written request which he signed. He used the card while he was in college but hasn't used the card in years. Last year this card offered me a 0% interest balance transfer which I accepted. I still owe them about $17,000. My finances have changed and Now I have plans to file for BK. I don't want to leave my son responsible for the debt. I currently have 2 balance tranfer offers from other cards that I could use, and my son's name would then be off the new debt, correct? The only problem is I have been reading that I shouldn't do a balance transfer before filing for BK. What should I do? Any advice will be appreciated!

[bk2009]

Is he a joint account holder or an authorized user? I think if he's a joint account holder and they have his SSN, he'll be responsible for the debt. I don't think he'd be responsible as just an authorized user.

[isla1]

He ia a joint account holder. I was trying to help him establish credit at the time. Now I am afraid I may ruin his credit! Not a good thing for a mom to do.

[Flamingo]

The only way in the past (and present) you could have gotten your son off of this joint account is to have closed out the account and paid it off. Right now whatever you do on that card also shows on his credit report. If you utilize a balance transfer from another account to pay off and close this joint account with your son, and you do it within six months prior to filing, you will have some explaining to do. I would suggest consulting with a BK attorney first before you do anything and discuss this account with him/her.

[isla1]

I think I understand the predicament that I am in, and it sounds as if time would be the only thing on my side if I were to do the transfer, and then close the account which has my son's name on it. Thanks so much for your response to my question. I suppose I need a lawyer quick! Reminds me of a Warron Zevon lyric," Send lawyers , guns, and money. The s--t has hit the fan!"