Hi,

This is my first post as I just got a call from my Father and I'm on the verge of developing an ulcer!

My Mother has obviously racked up some debt. She had always been the one to pay the bills so my dad had no idea there was trouble. When bill collectors began calling (and my mom hung up on them) my dad took over. He's managed to get 3 past due accounts cleared up but he just called me and told me he received a past due notice for an account that my mom hadn't paid on in 5 months. I have no idea where to turn to assist my dad with these problems.

1) I'd like to find out how I can get a credit report done to see if there are more accounts out there.

2) I'd like to find out if there are any liens on their house.

Are there any other avenues that I can take to head off any further issues?

Please help me!

Your mom and dad can get their own credit reports done, they can give you a copy of their reports.

You can go to the recorder of deeds at the county court house to see if there is any liens.
Unless they have been sued and someone took them to court ( they would have been served notice) there should not be a lien.

There is nothing you can do to stop your parents from borrowing money as long as they are of sound mind. You can sit down with them and help them work out a budget.

Chuck,

Thanks for the response. Actually, at one point my parents were served with a summons but my dad has since cleared that up by paying the debt. He just keeps getting frustrated because it seems they keep coming.

With his approval I tried to pull a report since they are not computer literate! I was unable to obtain information except by mail. No report via the internet was available for them due to a possible security freeze on their SS#s. I printed the forms and will help them complete them. We'll send the required copies of their personal identification along with the form and get reports via mail (hopefully).

I am just at my wits end though. My mom isn't completely incompetent but I'm beginning to wonder when that will come. I'm going to talk with their doctor on Monday to see if he can do a competency screening on her. My dad is quite astute even with being a few years older than her.

Thanks again. At this point I guess I'm trying to obtain as much information as possible as to the direction I should head in FIRST.

I am not an only child but may as well be. My sibling lives 10 minutes away from me and we never speak. It's been years since he's communication with my parents either. Oh, what a tangled web this all is!