Can bill collectors try to collect my debt from my mom’s bank account if she adds me to it?

Great question—and it’s smart of you to consider the legal and financial consequences before adding your name to your mother’s account.

Yes, there is a risk. If you are added as a joint owner on your mother’s bank account, the funds in that account could potentially be subject to garnishment by your creditors—even if all the money belongs to her.

Here’s why:

• As a joint owner, you’re considered to have legal ownership of all the funds in the account.

• Creditors typically don’t care whose money it is—they just see your name and pursue any account that legally belongs to you.

• While you may be able to fight the garnishment later by proving the funds belong solely to your mother, this process is stressful, time-consuming, and may not be successful.

Safer Alternatives

To avoid this risk, consider one of the following:

• Power of Attorney (POA): Your mother can grant you financial POA, allowing you to write checks and manage her account without making you a legal owner.

• Authorized Signer: Some banks allow an authorized signer who can pay bills and access funds without having ownership rights.

• Dedicated POA Account: Some families create a separate account solely for paying bills, funded by transfers from the main account—this keeps things cleaner for recordkeeping and legal protection.

Bottom line: Don’t become a joint owner. There are safer ways to help your mother without putting her funds at risk.