Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Virginia
Parents' Liability??
My 25-year old son spent a considerable amount on credit cards. He lived with me until last month. Then he left the country. The statements, naturally, keep on coming in my mail box. Can I be held accountable for his spending spree? Should I call the credit card companies and tell them that he no longer resides with me? Should I returned all his mail to the post office? The thing is that since he cannot pay, the creditors will raise their interests and the debt he has right now will get bigger and bigger if I don't tell them that he is not living under my roof any longer.
Thank you for taking the time to help me.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Parents' Liability??
You have not made clear whose credit cards you're talking about; those held jointly
by you and your son, or those only in your son's name. If the latter instance applies, you could
not be held responsible for paying, but if
the former applies(card jointly held), you would have to pay. Also, of course, if you gave your son permission to charge on your card(s),
obviously,you would also be responsible for payment in full.