Troubleshooter Solves Co-Sign Controversy

Solon -- Julia Culbertson had a very close relationship with her mother Caroyln Synder. Julie says her mother was very caring, always there for her children and grandchildren. So when Culbertson's mother asked for some financial help so she could live at the Liberty Hill Apartments in Solon she said, "Of course I co-signed, because she's my mom, and I wanted her to live in a nice place. I never thought she would die."

Just several months after Culbertson co-signed the lease, her mother unexpectedly passed away at the age of 59 from a massive stroke. Julie told me, "When they got back to me, they said that because my name was on the contract, I'm going to be held responsible to complete the lease term unless they were able to release the apartment".

Sine her mother passed away with no means, she would have to pay three months rent and was also ordered to give back $560 dollars in discounts, because of the unfulfilled contract. I decide to take the case because if Culbertson paid the remaining months on the lease, she would complete the contract and should be able to keep the $560 dollars in discounts.

I went to the Liberty Hill leasing office, hoping I could get some answers for Culbertson. Liberty Hill management was extremely receptive to the situation, quickly finding another person to rent her mother's apartment. Even tough Culbertson co-signed on this contract, she would not have to pay for three months rent, because of her mother's sudden death. Culbertson saved more than three thousand dollars and learned an important lesson.

If you're going to co-sign, make sure you understand if the worst case scenario happens, you will be held liable.

Joe Pagonakis, NewsChannel 5 Troubleshooter