Your Son Committed Forgery For A Business Loan. You're "On The Hook." What Now?
Nobody expects their child to forge business documents in their name to be approved for a loan. It's a legal and familial nightmare. You may think you failed as a parent. You may be (rightfully) angry at your kid for doing this. Let's explore what you can do next and how to help you and your son without destroying your relationship.
First, Take A Deep Breath
Don't lash out at your kid. We understand that it's a natural response to a betrayal of this magnitude, but take some time to collect yourself before you confront them. Obviously, they're a grown adult who should have done and known better, but they're still your child. Don't burn that bridge.
Why Forgery Is A Serious Crime
Some parents may think, “Well, it’s still my child, maybe we can just work this out quietly.” But forgery is no minor misstep. Signing another person’s name on a financial document without consent is fraud. In most states, it’s a felony punishable by fines, restitution, and even jail time. Judges, lenders, and prosecutors treat forgery the same way they treat stealing someone’s identity—because that’s exactly what it is.
Don’t Ignore The Lawsuit
Once those court papers arrive, the clock starts ticking. If you fail to respond by the deadline—often 20–30 days—the lender can win by default. That means the court will automatically side with them, and you’ll be ordered to pay a loan you never took out. Ignoring the lawsuit doesn’t make it go away; it only makes things worse. Even if your son eventually admits the forgery, a default judgment can be nearly impossible to undo.
Contact An Attorney Immediately
Your best ally right now is an experienced attorney. Look for one who specializes in debt defense, consumer law, or fraud cases. A lawyer will not only file the proper legal responses but also advise on whether you should countersue, request handwriting analysis, or pursue criminal charges. Many offer free consultations or flexible payment plans. The key is not to delay—every day counts.
Gather All Documentation
Start assembling your evidence. That includes the lawsuit documents, letters from the lender, any email or text communications with your son about the loan, and examples of your real signature (driver’s license, checks, passports). The stronger your documentation, the easier it will be to prove the signature wasn’t yours.
File A Police Report
This is often the hardest step for parents: formally reporting your own child to the police. But without a police report, you may struggle to prove to the lender—and the court—that you didn’t authorize the loan. A police report documents that a crime occurred, shifting liability away from you. Think of it less as “pressing charges against your son” and more as establishing an official record of the fraud.
Consider The Emotional Toll
It’s not just about paperwork. The emotional weight of turning in your own child can feel unbearable. Many parents worry, “What if he goes to jail? What if our relationship is ruined forever?” These are real fears, but remember: your son made a choice that put you in this position. Protecting yourself doesn’t mean you love him less—it means you’re refusing to sacrifice your future because of his crime.
Notify The Lender In Writing
Send a certified, return-receipt letter to the lender disputing the loan. In the letter, state clearly: “I did not authorize this debt. My signature was forged without my knowledge or consent.” If you have a police report, include a copy. This puts the lender on notice and prevents them from claiming you “didn’t object” to the loan. Always keep copies of everything you send.
Understanding Civil vs. Criminal Liability
It helps to separate the two tracks. The civil case is the lawsuit where the lender is trying to collect money. That’s where you’ll focus on proving the forgery so you’re not held responsible. The criminal case is about your son’s actions. Whether or not prosecutors pursue charges, it’s important to recognize that you’re the victim here, not the perpetrator.
The Role Of Expert Witnesses
If your case goes to trial, your lawyer may hire a handwriting expert. These specialists compare your genuine signature against the one on the loan. Their testimony often carries significant weight with judges. While not always cheap, expert witnesses can be the difference between winning and losing your case—especially if the lender insists the signature looks “close enough.”
Protecting Your Credit Score
Even while fighting in court, the fraudulent loan could appear on your credit report. File disputes with all three credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Include your police report, dispute letters, and any supporting documents. This helps prevent long-term damage, like higher interest rates, denied loans, or lost job opportunities due to bad credit.
Setting Boundaries With Your Child
The legal battle is only one part of the problem. You’ll also need to face your son. It may mean cutting off financial support, limiting contact, or insisting on counseling. Setting firm boundaries isn’t punishment—it’s protection. Forgery is a serious violation of trust. Without accountability, your son may repeat the behavior, putting you or others at risk again.
Exploring Restitution Options
If your son admits to forging your signature, he may be able to negotiate repayment directly with the lender. In some cases, courts order restitution, requiring him to pay back what was stolen. While restitution doesn’t erase the betrayal, it can help prevent long-term financial fallout for you. Encouraging him to take responsibility is in both of your best interests.
Learning From The Experience
As painful as it is, this situation highlights how important it is to safeguard your financial identity. Keep checks, personal records, and important identification documents locked away. Consider setting up credit monitoring or even a credit freeze, which prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name without your consent.
Don’t Try To Handle This Alone
Parents often feel tempted to “smooth things over” by explaining the situation to the lender without legal representation. Don’t. Anything you say can be twisted into an admission of responsibility. A lawyer ensures your defense is presented clearly, without accidentally volunteering information that weakens your case.
Protect Yourself First Before You Try & Help Your Son
It may feel unnatural to prioritize your own well-being over your child’s, but in this case, you must. You didn’t commit the crime—you’re the victim. By acting swiftly, seeking legal counsel, and protecting your finances, you can avoid being saddled with a debt that isn’t yours. Your son will face his own consequences, but you don’t need to sacrifice your financial future in the process.
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