When you cosigned the loan, you signed a legal contract that obligated you to repay the debt if the original borrower defaulted on his or her obligation. Your responsibility is exactly the same as the person you cosigned for.
Three options to get out of your responsibilities are: 1) pay off the loan; 2) refinance the loan in the other party's name alone; 3) if the loan is based on collateral (auto or home), you can call the lender and volunteer to turn it in to them.
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