Expert: Kathleen Eads - 6/10/2006

Question
I was dating a girl that wanted to get engaged over a year and a half ago.  She wanted a ring and purchased it on her credit card.  We ended up breaking up about a month later.  I did not sign anything stating I would pay for the ring or the credit card and my name was not on the credit card at all.  It is now almost two years later and she still has the ring and had a lawyer write me a letter saying he was going to send me to collections for this ring that she owns and has in her possession and that she purchased on her credit card that does not have my name on it.  Can this person send me to collections and can it ruin my credit?

Thanks,
Albie Salvatore

Answer
Albie,

Although it sounds as though the ring is your responsibility, I don't think they can collect from you.  She bought the ring with her credit card, signed the papers, and you (legally) are not tied to the purchase.  It sounds more like an ethical or moral obligation, and I'm not sure it would hold up in court to hold you morally responsible for the purchase.  

Anybody can sue anyone for anything they want.  Perhaps you can find an attorney to defend you and counter sue on the basis of frivolous lawsuit?  Just a thought.  

Kathleen Crabtree