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A girlfriend and I had a joint credit card account (0% for life of loan if paid on time) but I was the primary name on the account. She was the only one that ever used the account (2 balance transfers and a hotel charge.) I did it to help her out of debt since it was at 0%. She always paid on time and then she defaulted, like they hoped, and the interest jumped to over 30%. Now she refuses to pay the bill or even talk to me. Do I just chalk this $10,000 and a credit hit up to poor judgement on my part or can I get her to pay me back? I have an email admitting it's her bill, a receipt from one of her charges and all the statements that I can cross-reference to my bank accounts that show I never paid it (until she defaulted.) Please give me advice so I can move on or act on this! Thank you!

Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 12:04 am Subject:

I would make payments to try and bring it into good standing as it will be your credit that is getting the black mark. As for the $10,000, I think your only recourse may be to sue her for it. I may be wrong and I’m sure that someone will be along to advise you. Rolling Eyes

Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 12:23 am Subject:

Yup, I too think that you need to sue her to recover the loan that she had incurred in reality.

As it was a joint account the creditors can legally come after you and you have no other option but to pay them. It would be in your favor if you can avoid it going to your report.

Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 4:03 am Subject:

Sounds like you have proof that she owes you this money. I too believe that they only way you will get this money back is to sue her. She may claim that the money was a gift so if you have proof that she was paying on it at all, make sure you bring that too. I would not just eat 10,000. That is way too much money. Also, not sure what state you are in but you might beable to go to small claims court and get most of that back. Just check to see the limitation of small claims court.

Good luck.

Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 5:18 am Subject:

This is one of those times that I hate to agree with the rest of the posters. I really hate to say this, but you need to sue her for the money. People who cannot act in an honorable and reasonable manner need to be jerked up short, and she's a perfect example of what I'm talking about. A hundred bucks, I might cover, and then come down on my friend. Ten grand? Not a chance in hell. This is not an oversight on her part.

Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 5:33 am Subject:

A true friend would never let this happen to you. I would not be able to live with the thought of owing a friend, but you see this type of thing happen. Maybe your friend will see the light sometime but for now you have to look out for number 1. As Unc said it’s a lot of money to forgive.

Posted: Sat Mar 29, 2008 9:33 am Subject:

Thanks for the advice everyone. I have paid the bill in full so I don't get any more marks on my credit score. Anyone know of a lawyer in Las Vegas that is willing to take these kind of cases? It's so sad how pessimistic this has made me. I guess friendship means different things to different people. Be careful who you lend money!