My father is now quite elderly and unwell. He has gambled heavily for many years and has run up large credit card debts. We don't know quite how large, but he has a number of cards and only pays off the minimum. He is still gambling and I don't think he will stop. My mother is very worried about what will happen should he pre-decease her. The house is in joint ownership and the mortgage has been paid off. We aren't really sure whether she would have to pay his credit card/gambling debts and whether the house would form part of his estate, or pass directly to her. We are wondering whether it would be sensible to try to put the house in her name only, should my father agree. A possible complication is that the bank appear to have lost the house deeds. I would be grateful for any authoritative advice. I've read a few forum threads here and elsewhere, but I'm still not at all clear what the legal position is. I know I'd certainly want to fight any judgement against my mother, because she has worked hard all her life and constantly saved to try to safeguard herself. Also I feel the credit card companies have acted irresponsibly, allowing my father to borrow more and more, when they must know very well that the borrowings are going straight to the bookmakers. Thank you.

Hi All, I have a complex situation.... My Mum died In 2008 (when I was 21yo) she left a huge amount of debt and a small completely run down house. As he next of kin I got probate, i contacted all known creditors and most when i explained i lived in the house wrote off the debt - great.... Except RBS who had been chasing me for her £3500 credit card debt... By the time my mum was cremated I owed 10k for funerals administration costs and a loan which I took out to make the house habitable... (at 21) I'm now being told The estate I.E my home (becuase there was not anyhting else) still owe's this money and RBS demand payment. I have been told I have 3 options .... Pay the full amount in a lump sum.... Immpossible Sign a payment plan for an agreed amount untill it's paid off.... of they will put a charging order on the house ... which I understand means when the house is sold RBS get their peice of the pie.... Great I am planning to live here for the rest of my life so take what you want when I'm dead....however I dont claim to understand the full scale of a charging order and what that means (any further info would be greatly appreciated) I want to know .. can they add interest to a charging order - or do they just get 3500 whenever I sell it.. or does this add extra costs of any kind ? Obviously RBS are trying to convince me that it's best to offer to pay the debt through a monthy agreement , but I can't help but feel that some "advisor " at RBS is up for a big bonus if they can convince me to pay a debt they have been chasing for 10 years - even though legally I may not have to pay any thing, by agreeing to something the debt does become mine because I have entered the agreement. Does any one have any suggestions how to sort this mess out? I'm more than happy to pay them when the house is sold ... athough I don't plan to sell it for like 30 years - so just don't want to find interest has turned 3500 in to 35,000 ..... ( also there is an option to make them and offer of what i'm willing to pay - any ideas what the least amount they are likely to accept would be ? baring in mind they have not had a payment on it since 2001).. Can I just tell them to keep on chasing I aint paying ? and what else can they do to try to force payment ....? surely no judge will allow a forced sale for 3500? I WOULD BE HOMELESS! They have given my 2 weeks to seek advice before they expect my responce PLEASE HELP!!!!