If I recall correctly from "Financial Peace University" (Dave Ramsey), if your name is not on the contract you are under any legal or financial obligation. If my Mom passes away (example) they can call me (nearest living relative) all they want, if they can find me. Its unsecured debt. I did not sign for didley. Luckily Mom followed my advice several years ago and became debt free as I have been for 12 years. Got the house paid off in 2007 (Chugged down a 30 year mortgage with some re-fi in 17.5 years.....do the math) Never again will I have a credit card. Debt free makes being unemployed a lot easier. I don't need a bailout. But send cash to PO Box xyz123....to quote Daves radio show "Cash is king....Debt is dumb". And didn't Citibank get some of my tax dollars, er bailout money??? There's a pattern here and its a sad one.......Ask any of my "living large" friends who don't answer the phone for fear of it being a bill collector. Its gotten to embarressing to visit some folks. Act your age, live your wage. My 2 cents in cash, paid in full