divorce

Could you see your way clear to give us just a _little_ more information?

poorchick....more info would definitely help...we'd love to help you. Many of us have been through the divorce situation and might be able to offer some advice.

It's for a dirt bike bought in 2004 by my husband. I'm on the credit card, but hsd nothing to do with buying it. The collection agency contacted me yesterday by letter for the first time. The bills always came in my husband's name, and I assumed he was paying it. I work part time 10 hours a weeks, and hubby works full time. I called the agency, and the agent was rude and screamed at me. He answered my call by screaming at me. I don't know what else would help...

If you are a cosigner then you are also responsible. If he was given responsibility of the debt in a divorce it still does not absolve you of the debt, even if you didn't create it. What matters is that you name, social security# and other personal information is attached. You could probably sue him though.

Is there anything I can do about the CA? The agent was rude, kept putting me on hold, interrupting, talking over me, and telling me to "be quiet" and stop talking. He screamed the entire time. I emailed the company's website and asked for a different agent, but have received no response. He ended the call by saying I refused to pay, and then hung up on me.

On the divorce, debt, etc... I've been through this myself. I take it that he was handed the debt in your divorce decree? Was that before he bought the bike, or after? Were you a cosigner, or an authorized user on the card? As it stands, your only option may be to sue your ex for the debt. Check with an attorney first, though. Some states, you can have the courts enforce the debt against him solely, and make the CA lay off. It varies by state, the wording in the decree, and other factors.

As for the CA acting like a petulant 5-year-old... Unfortunately, a lot of collectors just get off on trying to bully people. Personally, I think it's a side effect of the lobotomy. You don't have to play doormat for anybody. Send them a debt validation and partial cease-and-desist letter. This serves to: [a] make them prove the debt is yours, that they have the right to collect it, etc., and inform them that they no longer have the right to contact you by telephone. Allow them the option of contacting you by mail only, rather than ceasing all contact, so as not to escalate the situation unnecessarily. There are templates available on this site for the letter you need to send them. Send it certified mail, return reciept requested. Then keep a copy of what you sent and the little green card that shows they signed for the letter.

On debt validation... Make sure they actually send you full validation of the debt, as spelled out in the letter. Don't pay them dime one unless and until they do it, either.