<prompt> Human: About ten years ago, a real estate deal my father and uncle worked on went belly up. Somehow, my father wound up owing my uncle about 50,000, mostly because my uncle took out a HELOC to finance a deal. x200B;My uncle, to cover his ass, asked my dad for a notarized letter confirming my dads intent to pay off the debt and in case my father should pass, that my sister and I would cover the debt. x200B;I was young and stupid and signed it to support my dad. I am now getting married in December and am terrified that one day my wife and I will be responsible for this debt.x200B;I am angry at myself, angry at my dad and angry that no one in my immediate family said hey, that is probably a bad idea.x200B;It is my understanding that since I and my sister did not stand to receive anything in exchange for taking on this debt, that it may not be a valid contract. x200B;But what are my options? I have asked my father to provide me the letter. My plan is to speak with a lawyer, review said letter and see what options he suggest.x200B;I am pretty scared that I may have signed away my future. I am an idiot.  <response>: I cant imagine doing this to my kids or a nephew. Shame on Dad shame on the uncle. WTH, this is really spending the kids futures, isnt it. Ever think about changing your name and moving to another state? Your dad and uncle didnt do much with the name to make it an honor to continue carrying it. 