I am on social security only and have Medicare and Medicaid. Is my (Partner in life) responsible for these payments? The charges are mine but she is a signer only on my credit cards. Auto repairs, house roof and act unit had to be replaced etc. I want to file whatever it is and be able to close all credit cards but I do not want my friend to be responsible. I have never given anyone her ss nbr. Or any info of her, just the adding of her name so that she could make purchases for me. I am 66 and she is 80.
I agree with blannie that seeing a non-profit financial counselor might be useful. At the very least they should be able to help you understand the consequences of various actions, and how being signers on each other's accounts impacts things.
If your only income is SS creditors cannot touch that. I am not sure that bankruptcy would be better for you than simply paying whatever you can. But see a professional to learn about all your options.
BTW, are you and Ann married? That status does change your responsibilities for each other's debts.
As for either of you being responsible for each other debts, that would only happen if you had co-signed the credit card application saying that you would also be responsible for any debt. Or if you marry and reside in a State has is *community property* meaning you both are responsible for each others debts.
There are credit counseling services that are no cost. They will not only negotiate on your behalf, but they will help you to work out a budget.
Does Ann have health issues that make you concerned that she will pass before you? Does she have a life insurance policy and are you the beneficiary?
As you are familiar with bankruptcy, I know you are wanting to avoid that route. Good luck.
If you want to really work out a way to pay off your debt with some help, you can start with these folks. This is a non-profit credit counseling group in your area, from what I can tell. It's worth a phone call to see if they can help you. If you do go to a credit counselor, make sure they're a non-profit. There are a lot of scams out there that wind up costing you more money than you started out owing.
cccswfl./about-cccs
However, I suppose you could file bankruptcy and perhaps get it all cleared away. You will lose those credit cards and for many years will not have access to any other credit. Do you have a way to live that doesn't involve borrowing money? Since you are on Medicaid, you are probably eligible for food stamps and other benefits of that nature.
It would be nice for your partner to pay off your loans if she has the money, but I don't suppose she is legally bound. You will need to consult a lawyer to file for bankruptcy. Make that call today. Don't mention your partner until the time when they may ask about her. Good luck.