Sally Herigstad

Creditcards.com

I live in California. My husband and I divorced in 2006. Some of our credit card accounts were joint, and some were not. In our marriage settlement agreement, we split the debts and each agreed to keep certain cards and pay them off. I have since paid off all the accounts I kept that were joint. Unfortunately, he did not. He filed for bankruptcy two years ago. Included in the bankruptcy were three joint creditors, with a total balance owed of $24,000 and some change.

Now these creditors are calling me, trying to collect the money. I recently received a letter from an attorney’s office, trying to collect one of the debts. I am concerned that these creditors may file a judgment against me, maybe garnish my wages, tax refund or try to collect in some other way. I own no property and my 7-year-old car is paid off. I have a 401(k) plan and some money in my CalSTRS retirement plan (I’m a school teacher). I make a decent salary now, but losing even a little of my income would make me unable to pay my bills. Can they sue me for the debts? Do I have any other ways of protecting myself? What can I do?

Source:  http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/herigstad-when-exes-dont-pay-joint-accounts-1294.php