Pay off your portion of the debt you jointly hold. Get him to sign a promisory note to you for the remainder of the balance and let it go. Get a couple lines of credit in your name and pay on time (cellphone, store card, car note, credit card etc) keep a small balance, but pay the vast majority off each month and you'll be fine. If it ends up as a negative item on your credit report you should be able to have it removed by showing them the note and your new lines show you are responsible.. In addition most lenders would ignore those derogatory items with a decent explaination (former mortgage broker here who played it straight). Cut any and every ambilicle cord you have to this guy asap.