I was served papers on my doorstep yesterday. I am being sued for back property taxes for a home from a marriage that has been over for 6 years.
Facts:
My name is on the Title of the Home, but I was not present at the closing, I did not sign the mortgage contract, and my x-husband did not have power of attorney for me.
I was awarded the home in our divorce in 2001 because I was in college and could not afford an attorney and did not fight him (too hard).
He moved back into the home via verbal agreement within 6 months of our divorce. He knew I couldn't afford it, and I wasn't living there, as my school was over an hour away.
He lived there for a year or two, until he learned I was dating again, then abandoned the home, did not pay taxes, or mortgage. I learned of this when I received the forwarded bills in the mail.
I tried to sell it, but had no luck, so rented it for the past 5 years. My tenants stiffed me, and I evicted them. After trying to sell it again for the past 6 months, I decided to let it go back. I have tried for 6 years to keep my credit up, but now, I am tired and let it go. I did a background search and found/contacted the x-husband to let him know, in case he wanted to save his own credit since his name is the buyer and I am the co-buyer. He declined. So the home is in some stage of foreclosure. Now, I (along with X and mortgage company) am being sued for back taxes.
What are my options? What will this do to me? I already planned on a major credit hit due to letting the home go, but can this affect my car, business, etc?
I am just trying to prepare for the future events. I have 10 days to respond, and I have no idea what to do.
Facts:
My name is on the Title of the Home, but I was not present at the closing, I did not sign the mortgage contract, and my x-husband did not have power of attorney for me.
I was awarded the home in our divorce in 2001 because I was in college and could not afford an attorney and did not fight him (too hard).
He moved back into the home via verbal agreement within 6 months of our divorce. He knew I couldn't afford it, and I wasn't living there, as my school was over an hour away.
He lived there for a year or two, until he learned I was dating again, then abandoned the home, did not pay taxes, or mortgage. I learned of this when I received the forwarded bills in the mail.
I tried to sell it, but had no luck, so rented it for the past 5 years. My tenants stiffed me, and I evicted them. After trying to sell it again for the past 6 months, I decided to let it go back. I have tried for 6 years to keep my credit up, but now, I am tired and let it go. I did a background search and found/contacted the x-husband to let him know, in case he wanted to save his own credit since his name is the buyer and I am the co-buyer. He declined. So the home is in some stage of foreclosure. Now, I (along with X and mortgage company) am being sued for back taxes.
What are my options? What will this do to me? I already planned on a major credit hit due to letting the home go, but can this affect my car, business, etc?
I am just trying to prepare for the future events. I have 10 days to respond, and I have no idea what to do.