Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Washington

Bad Debt

My mother, recently diagnosed with alzheiners, has given me a stack of paperwork including IOU's from her friend of many years who has been borrowing huge amounts of money, plus stealing checks from her and forging her name on them to pay for his every day living expenses. He has agreed to pay back the money, bat hasn't. Some of the debt is very old, some only three or four years. She is no capable of appearing in court to sue him. What can I do to help her?


Asked on 8/19/99, 4:34 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Gary Preble Preble Law Firm, P.S.

Re: Bad Debt

You'll will ultimately need a lawyer, so do that sooner than later.

You'll need to have guardianship of her. You can then sue for her guardianship estate if necessary.

It would be best if the "friend" agreed to pay it all back, and secure his promise with any real property.

The statute of limitations on a written contract is 6 years; oral is 3. Don't tell him that, but see if he will begin paying on each IOU. That may revive the enforceability of the debt.

It sounds like he has committed some criminal acts. His own shame, if he has any, may be the best motivator.

Gary Preble

Olympia

360-943-6960

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Answered on 8/21/99, 5:46 pm


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