Credit Card Fraud?

[Brown Eyed Girl]

What is the name of your state? IN

During my divorce proceedings I found that my spouse had run up $40k in credit card bills in BOTH of our names. I did not sign an application form for setting up any of these cards and I didn't know that they existed until we were going through our divorce.
He used my social security # when getting these cards. I feel like I have been taken! My attorney states that I am liable for 1/2 of the total due. Am I really? This is an injustice, IMO. Can't I have the credit card companies pull the files and prove that I didn't sign for the card(s) and I didn't make any purchases since I never had a credit card in my possession?

[moburkes]

Originally Posted by Brown Eyed Girl

What is the name of your state? IN

During my divorce proceedings I found that my spouse had run up $40k in credit card bills in BOTH of our names. I did not sign an application form for setting up any of these cards and I didn't know that they existed until we were going through our divorce.
He used my social security # when getting these cards. I feel like I have been taken! My attorney states that I am liable for 1/2 of the total due. Am I really? This is an injustice, IMO. Can't I have the credit card companies pull the files and prove that I didn't sign for the card(s) and I didn't make any purchases since I never had a credit card in my possession?

Yes, you can. WHEN did these debts occur? Literally, DURING the divorce, or you discovered them DURING the divorce? Is your state a community property state? You should certainly contact the creditors and request copies of all of the statements so that you can see what was purchased, and the dates.

[Brown Eyed Girl]

The purchases were made while we were married.
No, Indiana is not a community property state.

[moburkes]

Originally Posted by Brown Eyed Girl

The purchases were made while we were married.
No, Indiana is not a community property state.

Okay. Well, you may be able to get out of being responsible, since you didn't sign the applications. Contact the credit card companies. You may have to file police reports. In any case, usually marital debt is split. I'm going to venture a guess that some of the things that he purchased were for the benefit of the household.

[Brown Eyed Girl]

Originally Posted by moburkes

Okay. Well, you may be able to get out of being responsible, since you didn't sign the applications. Contact the credit card companies. You may have to file police reports. In any case, usually marital debt is split. I'm going to venture a guess that some of the things that he purchased were for the benefit of the household.

I think it's safe to say that the purchases were for the household and is probably why my attorney is stating that I'm 1/2 responsible so we don't have to go through all the receipts, etc.
Thanks for your help, I will persue the credit card companies and see exactly what is involved. I'm just really upset right now about this.