Bad Credit and an Even Worse Divorce!!?

Question

I was in a financially abusive relationship for 13 yrs. I had no access to any of our bank accounts, or even to my own paychecks. The few credit cards I had prior to my marriage were included in a bankruptcy we had to file in the year 2000.

Fast forward to the present and I'm going through a nasty nasty divorce, only to find out that my ex had multiple credit cards in MY NAME (and of course he never paid them) there were utility and phone bills in my name that weren't paid either. It's horrible! My credit score is sitting at like 601. We also have a van loan on a 96 silhouette that (we) still owe $11,000 on!

I'm at a loss. How do I even begin to fix this?? I only make about $26,000 a year and almost everything I make is going just to keep a roof over our heads (my son and I).

Do creditors ever work out a deal with "innocent debtors"???

He also failed to pay our state taxes, so both vehicles have liens placed on them, so we can't get the plates renewed. Grrr. I knew NOTHING about any of this!

Answer 1

OK, you *might* need to talk to a lawyer. But if it were me, I'd file identity theft charges against this guy - assuming that you didn't sign any of the credit card applications that are in your name. Then you contest THOSE accounts with the "big three" and have them removed - you'll need a copy of the police report to do that.

Creditors are NOT going to work a deal out with you, until your credit score is a lot lower. Like, under 500, really trashed.

Regarding the TAX issue . . . you can CHECK to see if your state has an "innocent spouse" law, like the IRS does. It may or may not, which may or may not help you.

Good luck, and just remember, EVERYTHING gets better. Just keep plugging along, one day at a time. Worry about your baby first - food, shelter, utilities, THEN car. It might take a while, but you CAN get through this.

Answer 2

You need to see a lawyer. Some may be available through legal aide. I do not know if you are responsible a loan and credit card debt if you did not sign for it. Your husband may have forged your signature. You have several options other than paying the full amounts due.

1, Ask the credit card companies to reduce or eliminate the credit card interest. Tell them the circumstances. Even the IRS makes accommodations.

2. See an attorney about declaring bankruptcy.

3. See if your husband will give you money top pay his debts particularly if forgery was involved.

4. Go to credit counseling agency. Many charge what you can affairs. They can consolidate your debts and reduce them as well.

Good luck.

Answer 3

I've recently been involved in a similar situation. Contact the credit card companies, and tell them that your ex took these cards out without your knowledge. If they get nasty, demand to see any applications that have your signature. They will chase your ex for credit card fraud. Contact your state Bar association, and ask them to recommend an attorney that handles this type of problem. Work out a payment plan for his services, and let him deal with the creditors. Given time, you will work your way out.