Widows & Widowers Support Group

This community is dedicated to those who have lost a husband, wife, or partner. Anything is open for discussion here, with the hope that we can focus on grief, bereavement, life after loss, and continuing on after a great loss.

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Death & Dying
/ Widows & Widowers Support Group

Death and Debt

avmom
avmom

When my husband died over a year ago, he left no will. He did leave several credit card debts. Since I lived in a community state I was under the impression that I would be responsible to pay so I have been making minimum payments since his death. I have not notified any of the CC companies of his death as I was scared they would ask for the full payment which I couldn't afford. I went to a legal document company to submit some paperwork for me on a car he had and let's just say they scammed me. Took my money, submitted no paperwork and won't return my calls or e-mails so I have feel burned. I finally contacted a probate lawyer who told me I am not responsible for his debt. I bit the bullet called them up and they told me I would not have to pay. One even told me they would refund any interest I have paid since his death. I feel a weight off my shoulders. Finally light at the end of the tunnel.  I wish I would have done this sooner. 

lmj90
lmj90
Yes It has been my understanding that the only thing we are responsible for is any owed income taxes if we filed "married filing jointly" Or anything we have secured jointly like cars or homes. Their are provisions to these things also. Single debt he took out on his own should not be your responsibility.
scottito
scottito
I also live in a community property state. The one credit card we had was in her name, and she had me just as an additional card holder. I called them right away to tell them of her death, and they wrote the whole amount off, only asking that I notify them if a probate was started. As for the legal document company that scammed you, call your State's attorney general's office or consumer protection division. You might get lucky and find some one in an agency that could help you on that. In my State of Washington, some work is considered the practice of law and those that do it are licensed paralegals through our State Bar Association. You should file a police report with your local authorities as well, if whatever they did amounts to stealing or some other crime. Me, I doubt I would have pursued it. I was way too occupied with grief. ~~~ Scottie
bayoured
bayoured
I may need to do this . Tony had purchase a new mattress set and adjustable frame. I have been paying on it since he passed and it is a struggle. I thought they would come and take the bed which I guess they still could but for what reason it is used now. I also worried they would put a lien on my house.
Mas63
Mas63
avmom, please contact the credit card companies and tell them of your husbands passing. All i had to do is submit a copy of the death certificate and i was not responsible for any of Andrews personal credit card debt. So, if these cards were just his accounts, you should not be responsible and your credit should be affected. Notify them asap.
Pater53
Pater53
I did this soon after my Brenda passed. I also live in a state which allowed me to get her personal credit accounts closed without payment. It was a Godsend to me since I recently lost my job due to lost business where I worked. Looking to retire since I am practically unemployable so this has helped a great deal in my planning. Everyone should consult a lawyer in cases like this to protect your interests.
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