[marmerch]

I have had an excellent credit rating all my life but at age 48, I am now on SSI disability and am worried I may not be able to keep paying on my $10,000 credit card debt. Knowing from reading other questions here, creditors cannot touch SSI but can go after a bank account after SSI sends a payment. My question is, since I am single, would adding a friends name to my bank account keep creditors out? Also, is there free legal help available if creditors take me to court if I can no longer pay?

[KMSRyana]

No, simply adding another person to your account will not keep creditors from levying your account. The only assurity you have is that your account information is private unless you send them a check with your account number and routing number to your account. Credit Card companies have limited ability to garnish your wages or take money from your bank accounts without your consent. Usually they will "charge off" the debt and pursue repayment through other means... first selling your account to a collection agency or several, then one of the collection companies may take you to court to seek repayment. Usually they will offer a "settlement" or partial payment versus the full balance to consider the debt repaid. I would first consider talking with your creditor(s) to see if there is an acceptable method of repayment before you take it to other means. Usually, they are willing to work with you and will generally set up a payment plan that works for both you and them to avoid litigation or non payment. If not, you have several options, none of which will be as beneficial as working out something with your creditors upfront.