Leins or other recourse

[jberg]

My soon to be ex-stepfather owes me just over $10k in credit card debt (I listed him as an authorized user) and he is refusing to pay this off. We had a verbal agreement several years ago that he could use the cards and would pay them down as the statements arrived, which he has done until recently. Without hiring a lawyer (I am a full time student and cannot afford to attain one), what recourse can I take? Someone had mentioned putting a lein on his truck and motorcycle (the only property he ownes, I think) for now. I am uncertain if this is something I can do myself without a lawyer but I am interested in learning about how I can go about doing this. I live in Massachusetts.

 

[vrzirn]

You cannot place liens unless and until you have a judgement. (Or are a contractor with contract and can place "mechanic lien".)In essence, you told bank you would be responsible for debts on that card. You have to sue and show court the purchases were made by other party. Too much for Small Claims. How come you let it go so far? Didn't you check statements?

 

[jberg]

To answer your question, yes, I did check statements. He was making payments to them all along but he would always use the cards so they were never paid off at any one time. These cards were used for his construction business and I had no reason to believe he would stick me with the bill. He's been my "dad" for the last 18 years.....