My mother had lots of bills charged to her by her, now deceased son. Probably about $10,000 worth of credit?

card debt. She OWNS her home. Can she file bankruptcy on these bills. These debts are at least 8 years old. She doesn't have the income to pay. Apparently he got cards in my dad's and her name and maxed them out.(my dad just recently died, too) She has paid a lawyer $900 so far and all the lawyer has told mom is to just wait. Seems odd advice for $900.