Being sued over an old credit card… what do I do

Credit Card
1

I made a dumb mistake when I was 18 or 19… got a credit card, maxed it out, and never paid it back. Ignored every letter and call, and now they’ve served a summons at my mom’s house (I don’t even live there anymore).

I’ve already printed a response using SoloSuit and I’m going to file it—ignoring this any longer will only make it worse.

My biggest question is, even if they win in court and I have to pay the $1,110.56, how would they collect? I’m a stay-at-home mom with no wages or assets, everything is in my spouse’s name.

Could this affect my spouse’s income or assets? The debt was from before we met, but does marriage change anything?

2

Just pay them before it gets worse. If they win in court, you’ll owe more with fees and interest. You’re married, so this debt is basically your husband’s now too.

3

Tan said:
Just pay them before it gets worse. If they win in court, you’ll owe more with fees and interest. You’re married, so this debt is basically your husband’s now too.

She’s already been served, so court costs are probably on the table.

4

@Ben
Depends on the state. Some places require a separate order for court costs.

5

@Ben
A lot of debt collectors will settle before the court date if you reach out.

6

Tan said:
Just pay them before it gets worse. If they win in court, you’ll owe more with fees and interest. You’re married, so this debt is basically your husband’s now too.

That’s not true. Debt from before marriage usually stays separate unless you’re in a community property state.

7

@Shannon
I think they meant more like ‘your husband is the one with money, so he’ll end up paying it.’

8

@Shannon
Yeah, depends on the state. Some places treat it as shared, some don’t.

9

@Shannon
If they take money from my wife, they’re taking it from me too.

10

Nico said:
@Shannon
If they take money from my wife, they’re taking it from me too.

‘What’s mine is yours, what’s yours is mine’ kinda deal? :joy:

11

Kai said:

Nico said:
@Shannon
If they take money from my wife, they’re taking it from me too.

‘What’s mine is yours, what’s yours is mine’ kinda deal? :joy:

Marriage doesn’t mean ownership though.

12

@Aldrin
Obviously, just joking.

13

Kai said:
@Aldrin
Obviously, just joking.

People take jokes way too seriously here lol.

14

@Aldrin
Omg relax.

15

Tan said:
Just pay them before it gets worse. If they win in court, you’ll owe more with fees and interest. You’re married, so this debt is basically your husband’s now too.

In some states, only debt you take on after getting married is shared. Anything before stays separate.

16

Tan said:
Just pay them before it gets worse. If they win in court, you’ll owe more with fees and interest. You’re married, so this debt is basically your husband’s now too.

It’s not as simple as just ‘paying it.’ I could try to settle, but they might refuse and push forward with the lawsuit. If that happens, I’ll owe more.

I don’t have the full amount, so I need to know what my options are and whether my husband could be affected.

17

@Sky
Settling is way cheaper for them than going through with a lawsuit, so it’s worth a shot.

18

Florence said:
@Sky
Settling is way cheaper for them than going through with a lawsuit, so it’s worth a shot.

If this is in small claims court, they probably won’t even have a lawyer. They’ll just send someone from the company.

19

@Sky
Can your husband not cover $1,100? Most debt collectors will settle if you call.

20

@Sky
Call them and offer $300. They probably bought the debt for way less and will take it.