Long story. I was married to someone and they opened a credit card account. Apparently he listed my name on the account. The account was opened in 1998 in California. We were legally seperated 6-20-2000. Divorce final 5-5-2003. The marriage settlement agreement assigned this debt to my ex and he was supposed to close the account and have my name removed. In 2003 creditors were given notice that I wanted the account closed. They would not close the account without payment in full but said no further charges could be made. In 2005 the credit card showed up on my credit report and further charges had been allowed against the account. I notified them again of the divorce (sending copies of the papers once again). Since then only interest and late fees have been applied when payments weren't made in a timely manner.
My ex died about a year and a half ago. I got his estate to make monthly payments (actually his brother was in charge of the estate). He refused to pay the amount in full.
Finally he had me send a letter offering to settle the debt for 50%, stating that if they cashed the check they would be accepting settlement in full for the account. This was also stated on the front of the check, and in the endorsement section of the check. The check has been deposited and now the credit card company is trying to collect the balance from me. I requested a copy of the original cardholders application/agreement and they said I would need a subpoena to get it. I did not use or have access to this card and do not recall ever signing a credit card application (we kept all finances seperate).
So the question is what do I do? How do I talk to someone that will just take a minute to listen and discuss this. All they say is "your name is on this account" and that I need to pay the bill. Do have any recourse? The only charges left would have been interest charges on top of interest charges over the course of time since 2005. Basically the estate has said "good luck" amd left this in my hands.
Any advice would be deeply appreciated.
My ex died about a year and a half ago. I got his estate to make monthly payments (actually his brother was in charge of the estate). He refused to pay the amount in full.
Finally he had me send a letter offering to settle the debt for 50%, stating that if they cashed the check they would be accepting settlement in full for the account. This was also stated on the front of the check, and in the endorsement section of the check. The check has been deposited and now the credit card company is trying to collect the balance from me. I requested a copy of the original cardholders application/agreement and they said I would need a subpoena to get it. I did not use or have access to this card and do not recall ever signing a credit card application (we kept all finances seperate).
So the question is what do I do? How do I talk to someone that will just take a minute to listen and discuss this. All they say is "your name is on this account" and that I need to pay the bill. Do have any recourse? The only charges left would have been interest charges on top of interest charges over the course of time since 2005. Basically the estate has said "good luck" amd left this in my hands.
Any advice would be deeply appreciated.
