[jesshathaway50]

So my sisters boyfriend had an apartment over 4 years ago , before we all moved I had got added to the apartment lease, My sisters boyfriend did get a bill after we moved but he didn't live with us much long after we moved (He was sick so he was living basically in hospitals and nursing homes) So that first bill was the last I had heard about it. My sisters boyfriend passed away 2 months ago and a few days ago someone came to the door and handed me a stack of papers and walked away! When I read these papers it had my sisters boyfreinds name my name and my sisters name and it was a summons to respond in 20 days or they would get a default judgement, I called the collectors because I hadn't received anything in my name from them and they said they sent stuff out but REFUSED to send me copies of the supposed letters they sent out. They are threatening to garnish my wages if I don't make payments on this... AND when they sent me a contract to sign to make payments... it stated davids name on it and my name was no where to be seen on it... I don't understand how they can do this to me without prior notification at least... even when I call I have to give them my sisters boyfriends name and it doesn't seem right he juast passed away... WHAT CAN OR SHOULD I DO? I live in WA state

[ScottGem]

First, they can't garnish your wages until they get a judgment. So you respond to the summons stating that you have no knowledge of what this debt is or that whether you have any obligation to pay it. Send a letter stating your Intent to Defend with those reasons to the court that issued the summons. Send a copy to the plaintiff with a statement that you cannot pay or negotiate anything until you see proof that you incurred and owe this debt.

You did say that you had your name added to a lease. If that lease is the source of the debt, then there is a good chance you are responsible for payment.