If my husband died suddenly this week, am I responsible for his credit card debt?
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If my husband died suddenly this week, am I responsible for his credit card debt?
Asked on November 30, 2014 under Estate Planning, Illinois
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
I am so sorry for your loss. Generally speaking, you are not responsible for his credit card debt if it was in his name alone and you are not a joint obligor on the account (meaning you signed the application too). His estate, though, would be responsible. So if you need to probate any portion of his estate because it was not jointly held you need to advise creditors and allow them time to make a claim. You can generally compromise the debt to a smaller amount. Good luck.
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