Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Georgia

When my husband passed away, I was advised by my bank to add another person to my checking account. Since my son lives with me and I trust his integrity I added him as a second person on the account. Based upon the bank's information, he would be able to write a check and withdraw funds if something happened to me. Recently my son told me of someone who did not have medical insurance, was found to have cancer, received extensive treatment, had lots of medical bills. Now this persons says that he will have to sell his home to pay his medical bills. My concern...since my son also does not have any health insurance, should he incur large medical bills, since he is co-signer on my account...could my funds be demanded from the medical company? Thanks for your advice.

Asked on 3/29/10, 2:22 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Glen Ashman Ashman Law Office also dba Glen Ashman Attorney

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Fire your bank. They broke the law in giving you legal advice and the advice they gave was horrendous.

When you get a new bank, do NOT do a joint account. Your money can be seized for claims against your son. If you trust your son, you might allow him to be solely an authorized signer or give him power of attorney. For proper estate planning, and this is one small piece of many things you need to look at, see a lawyer.

Answered on 4/03/10, 3:42 pm

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