Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Texas
Cosigner Responsibility
I cosigned an apartment for my daughter and I thought that I would no longer be responsible after my daughter signed a new lease. I recently received a letter from a collection agency stating I owe $495 for damages. How can I resolve the matter without it negatively affecting my credit.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Cosigner Responsibility
There is another alternative to pursue other than the previous one listed. Assuming that the account has been put onto your credit report, under 15 U.S.C. section 1681 (Fair Credit Reporting Act) you can request that the credit bureau verify the account. Additionally, the original agreement that you sign was with the apartment complex. Depending upon the terms of that apartment lease, the collection agency may be abusing their authority. Furthermore, Texas Debt Collection laws are very favorable to victims of abusive collection agencies. If you would like assistance from a local law firm with this legal issue or any other legal matter, please contact my legal assistant Jennifer ([email protected]) to arrange a free 30 minute consultation.
Re: Cosigner Responsibility
pay it as soon as possible or sue them and make them prove the debt. Get a TRO to prevent them from reporting while the lawsuit is pending. 1st option - $495, 2nd option - $2K-$3K in legal fees, maybe more. Good Luck.