DEAR BRUCE: Our son purchased a condo 3-1/2 years ago. It was supposed to be built in a year but turned out to take more than three years to complete. He was supposed to get a VA loan, but there weren't enough condos that sold, so the VA would not fund a mortgage. Then something else went wrong, and there is a lien on the building from a contractor. The condo people stated the money was paid, but the lender wouldn't fund the loan until they could see the paperwork. Is this a bad investment? Should he take the loss of his down payment and upgrades he put into the condo, or should he continue to try to get ownership? -- C.B., Beverly Hills, Fla.

DEAR C.B.: Is he represented by counsel? If not, he should get an attorney now. You didn't tell me how much of a down payment he made, and I assume that he gave extra money for upgrades. It would appear that the builder is in trouble and the condos are not selling. What happens if he does get in and buys the condo and most of the units are unsold or many people are not paying their condo assessments? This can cost him not only a great deal of trouble but also a great deal of money. I would take a hard look at all the numbers. I'd want to know the financial condition of the condo association and the current value. It may well be that these things are not worth what he agreed to pay for 3-1/2 years ago. He should not sign anything until he has had an attorney review this entire transaction.

DEAR BRUCE: I am married to someone who has three kids from a previous marriage. My husband was still obligated to pay child support when I met him. After we were married, I started filing my income taxes as "married, but filing separate." Several years ago, my husband broke away from his father's business and started his own. I recently discovered that he had not been filing all of his income taxes. I am not a part of his business in any way because I kept my name off of his business documents. I have my own bank accounts and retirement savings, and our finances are separate, except for our home, timeshare and my car. Will I be liable for any of his tax debt, and will it be wise to have the home, time share and car titles changed to my name only? -- Worried and Anxious, via e-mail