Tucson, AZ asked in Bankruptcy and Identity Theft for Arizona

Q: Can I file for bankruptcy for debts not mine then sue for those debts?

My ex committed identity theft in my name, he opened multiple credit cards under my name and charged them to the max. Then he opened multiple phone accounts under my name. Then put a no contact restraining order out on me. I have creditors calling me and telling me I'm responsible for the debt. I'm not going to pay for the stuff he illegally got so I was thinking of filing for bankruptcy to get the creditors off my back but I also want to sue him for the damages he caused. Can I do that?

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
Diane L. Drain
Diane L. Drain
Answered
  • Bankruptcy Lawyer
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Licensed in Arizona

A: I am so sorry to hear about your situation. There are two issues: 1) a criminal act of forging someone's signature. 2) your liability (if any) to the creditors. For the first file a police report for identify theft. Contact the Attorney General's office for instructions on your rights in this situation. As to the second - that is much more complicated. Can you file bankruptcy? Yes, but the real question is "should you file bankruptcy, at least at this time?" Perhpas a free consultation on bankruptcy would be a good start. Let me know if you want more information about this option. You can either call my office - 602-246-7106, or email me at DDrain@DianeDrain.com.

Timothy Denison agrees with this answer

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.