Ex-Boyfriend's Credit Card Debt

[yamahamamma]

My now ex-boyfriend of almost 7 yrs decided to walk out on me and my 3 children(not his). When he left he stated that I could have everything in the house and the van, currently in his name. He also stated that he was going to pay all of his credit card bills.

Now that things have turned ugly, his parents have stepped in "to help". They want me to pay $100/month for 3 1/2yrs to pay a home equity loan that they are willing to take out to pay off his credit cards.

I was an additional card holder on 2 of his cards. I have not used the cards in some time.

All of the major purchases that he made like appliances and furniture are still in my house. These were made on cards that I did not have access to.

My question is: Do they have any legal ground for making me help pay these debts, or can they come take the items?

thanks

 

[Michael Wechsler]

I think you're getting a great deal if you're paying less than 50% and you may want some confirmation in writing that they will pay off all the debt if you pay this amount. If you aren't a cosigner on the account then it is possible they can sue you in small claims for the benefit of the it's - at least 50% IMHO for the obvious reasons if you agreed to share expenses.

 

[yamahamamma]

What is IMHO? As for us agreeing to share expenses, how I usually handle the bills was whenever one of us got paid, I paid the bills that were due for the week following.

What about the fact that he told me when he left that I could have everthing, including the van? Wouldn't the items then be considered a gift?

 

[Michael Wechsler]

In my humble opinion. In your ex-boyfriend's opinion, you could have everything he didn't have to pay for. In fact, he could buy you two homes and tell you they are yours too. But the people who paid for them, the credit card company, is asking someone for payment. It's your choice - pay up or lose what was never purchased properly in the first place.