I recently learned that my 71 year old mother (who hasn't worked since 1964) has accumulated around $12,000.00 in credit card debt. 4 major credit cards. Approx. $3000.00 per card. We live together and own the home together. Joint tenants with right of survivorship. The home is paid for. I pay the taxes, home ins. phone, cable etc... She receives just under $600.00 a month social security which she uses to pay the electric and gas and her groceries. I didn't know about her debt because she was always able to make the minimum payments. Since the change in the laws she got behind the eight ball and my phone began ringing off the hook. I've looked into the "credit solutions" companies and learned how they mediate for 15% of the gross debt. Something I can do for her for free and might but I'm also looking at bankruptcy. I wanted to know how bankruptcy would apply in this situation? Should I have my mother stop payments all together(she has made late and partial payments) and begin contacting the companies to negotiate a lump payment in the future if my mother could begin saving for it? Would they put a lien on the property for $3000.00 ? Is the house protected because I own it as well? Are there any other options?
Any help would be much appreciated!
PAUL

Does anyone have any insight?