Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California
Debt
My brother will be in prison for 1 year. I am managing his finances. He has overdue payments on credit cards and loans. What can I do to minimize damage to his credit and pause credit bills until his release?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Debt
You are at the mercy of the creditors. Call them and explain the situation. Tell them that he wants to make payment but that's not possible right now. Perhaps they will agree to stall collection efforts on some terms. (Maybe you make small payments for him while he's in jail?)
They appreciate communication from debtors. Debtors who communicate are usually responsible and are usually interested in paying their bills. Debtors who don't communicate just skip out entirely and that is what they fear. Your brother will have to authorize you to speak with them. I assume he gave you power of attorney.
Re: Debt
1. Go get a power of attorney from your brother.
2. Call the creditors and see if they will hold his accounts while he is in prison.
3. If they wont do 2, then make the minimum payments or make payment arrangements to bring him current.
Good luck. You are doing a good thing for your brother. He should appreciate this.