Broken Lease with 2 leasee's names

My boyfriend had a girlfriend in 1994 and they got an apartment, The girlfriend filled out the application and he also signed the contract. She moved out and and broke the lease and he moved out. Now he has this on his credit for the full amount over 1200.00. And the laywer will not accept 1/2 to clear his name.
He never has been served to go to court and the judment was of course granted to the apartments. The lawyer states they have attempted to serve 4 or 5 times but on 2 address did not get return mail.
They say that My boyfriend has to pay the full amount and then take it up with the absent person in court. Can they legally do this? With no notification. Or at least half payment to clear his name?

Another question:
He also pays child support on his daughter. They were never married but still has to cover the child on medical insurance.
The mother was on AFDC but uses his name as guarantor. His credit is messed up. Can we do anything? Or can mother be resposible for once in her life!!!!

Unfortunately your boyfriend can e held liable for the full amount. He should make payment arrangements with the attorney ($100 a month?) Then he should sue his ex in small claims court for her half.

As for child support and the guarantor situation. Your boyfriend should get receipts for everything he pays. Then her can go into court show what he has paid for child support, medical insurance, and medical bills. The judge should at least make the ex liable for 1/2 the medical bills. Plus, he may get a break in child support if he carries the medical coverage.