A Timeshare Q & A

Q: My ex-husband and I purchased a timeshare many years ago. When we divorced, the timeshare was forgotten about and never addressed in our divorce mediation. We used our timeshare once. I thought he was keeping up with the payments, but he wasn’t.

We’ve been sued for almost $5,000 in payments. I can’t afford a lawyer and haven’t been able to contact the timeshare’s lawyer. What can happen?

A: You owe this money, and because the time-share company has sued you, it will start to affect your credit history and credit score — if it hasn’t already.

You must answer the lawsuit and contact your ex-husband to work out how you are going to pay off this debt. You must also figure out how you and he will get rid of the timeshare.

Although you can’t afford a lawyer, at least consult with one for an hour or so to learn what you’ll have to do to defend yourself. Or, if you truly don’t have a dime, contact your local legalaid society, but pay off that timeshare.