<prompt> Human: Background: my dad 69 was a taxi driver and my mom is a maid. My mom 59 takes home about 30k a year, were not sure what my dad made but around 20k a year is what he reports.Me and my brother just graduated college and will be entering the work force. My mom is still working and my dad just retired.Problem 8 years ago my mom learned that my dad had 50k in credit card debt. My mom was devastated, so we had to refinance our mortgage to get a lower interest rate. As of today, we still have 250k on our mortgage left with 3.5 interest.Now today we just found out my dad opened more credit cards and is now 40k in debt. Were not sure what to do. I want my mom to retire at a reasonable age, but I also dont want to cripple myself financially making big monthly payments. What is the best way to go about this? We havent confronted our dad about finding out yet, because he will only yell and be non-responsive. Hes also in the hospital now recovering from a heart surgery, so we dont want to have the conversation in the hospital.Edit: Many of you asked why I keep saying we opposed to them. Thats because I want my mom to retire when shes 66 because shes been working hard her entire life and has been good with her own finances. This means that Ill probably have to pick up her mortgage later down the road.Im thinking about having my father file for chapter 7 bankruptcy. With his condition, it doesnt seem at all possible for him to reenter the work force his health is and has been deteriorating. Does anyone know the first steps of doing that? Ive been doing research and all the websites say to consult a lawyer, but I dont know if we have the money for that right now.  <response>: Your mother needs to talk to an attorney. Two, in fact: a bankruptcy attorney, and a divorce attorney. Your mother cant light herself on fire to keep your father warm. It might be time to sell the house, use the money to pay off debts, and move to a CHEAP apartment, or government housing. Theres no guarantee that your father wont just do this again.If hes shutting down and wont discuss or let you help solve the problem, then hes just a drowning man that will pull you down with him. 