Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Pennsylvania

Re: frozen checking account

There's really not enough information to answer your question. If the balance in the checking account was small it may be within the $300 general exemption. If so, you want to file a claim with the Sheriff's Office as soon as possible and then open a new account or have your daughter's name taken off the account. Because the amount is small, it is probably not worthwhile to hire an attorney.

If the amount in the checking account is large, however, it is wise to consult an attorney since the claim for the balance would probably be contested.

Re: frozen checking account

I have a pet peeve with banks not advising clients NOT to add children to their bank accounts. Your story is just one of the reasons not to do so.

Does your daughter have any money in the account? You will need to establish to the bank and the court that the funds are yours and not your daughters.

I don't know how much is at stake but if is more than you are willing to part with to pay your daughters debt contact my office for a consultation. The consultation is not free.

Good luck to you and tell your friends not to put their kids names on their accounts unless they are prepared to lose the money in the account.