Credit control
Date: Sun, 02/19/2006 - 07:56
One recently we think has been calling is a company called "Credit Control"
The guy on the phone asks if I am "David Keller" No, I don't know who he is but he does not live here. I am guessing it is because maybe the prior phone number was his. While my first name might be correct I am far from being a "Keller" I have pretty much taught myself not to talk them or let them have the answering machine. After all if they keep guessing, well that is as best as they can get, guessing. Most times all I hear is the automated message.
Now stupid question, I have thought about starting to work on her credit situation by itself. As her new husband, what would be the best way to go about it?
Now keep in mind I am not in financial trouble, and am rather successful. my credit via the bureaus is excellent.
My questions, now since I am married to my wife what are the legal implications I need to consider, assuming for illinois any debt she had before we got married was hers?
The "David Keller" person that the gentlemen was referencing to was willing to "tell all" about the debt that either my wife or "david keller" had. Hell I probably could have asked him for his social security number and had it in my hands. I find this a bit disturbing to say the least?
They have not called me at work, probably because they legally cant, plus I could get a new number within 3 hours, so it would be kind of pointless :D Should I be worried here?
Options, suggestions, and opinions please.
Thanks-
David-A computer geek who has a lovely wife and she likes his geekiness.
I think the first step would be for your wife to pull her credit
I think the first step would be for your wife to pull her credit report. Then you can analyze it together. If she has debts that are about to reach the statue of limitations in your state, you might ignore them for more recent debts that would have a more negative impact on her credit rating. You could contact the creditors and offer settlements, as you can.... there are so many different ways to deal with her situation... You could also set her up on a debt consolidation program.
As for the company that is calling for David Keller, tell them he doesn't live there and to remove the number from their calling list. If they refuse, you will need to send them a cease and desist letter.
Do I have any legal obiligation to them? assuming that a husband
Do I have any legal obiligation to them? assuming that a husband was not responsible for her debt before marriage?
I guess my question is can they really do anything to me?
I don't know. I would think that they could still go after her
I don't know. I would think that they could still go after her and how you might be effected would depend on your states laws. ie community property - when does it become community property. I am sure that your attorney could best answer that question.
You may not have a legal obligation to them, but your wife does and that may negatively impact your relationship with creditors constantly calling.
I think you only become legally obligated if you are added to he
I think you only become legally obligated if you are added to her accounts, such as credit cards...they cannot garnish your wages or anything, her debt before you got married is her obligation. But, if she has anything federal and you file your income tax together, then they could take yours. If I were you, I would just have her continue to call on her own accounts, and if you plan on paying them off, pay them in full at one time if you can, and have her send a money order via certified mail return receipt, just try to keep yourself out of it as much as possible. That's just my two cents.
Dave, I found this on a website about debt collections, here is
Dave, I found this on a website about debt collections, here is what it says about who is responsible:
You should get advice if:
you agreed to be a co-borrower or guarantor under pressure or through fear
you did not understand the nature or extent of the commitment you were making.
[color=red]Duplicate content removed as per forum rules - Vikas[/color]
Dave, you become responsible for your spouse's debt when you co-
Dave, you become responsible for your spouse's debt when you co-sign with her. Otherwise, every person has his/her own individual credit file and debt accounts. You can't be related with those accounts.
If you wish to transfer your wife's account to your name, you will have to pay the full balance and the creditor will release the liability from your wife's name. Another way to improve her credit and transfer the account in your name will be to open a new account in your name. Request a balance transfer or use a check to pay off the wife's total balance. You might need to call the creditors and fulfill their requirements.
