Ask a Lawyer - Archive
   
Dead Debt?
Loretta Salzano

Q. 

I am asking for my cousin who does not have a computer. If her husband signed up for a credit card to a book store and he died still owing money, is she responsible to pay that bill?



-- Anonymous

A. 

Your cousin is not personally liable for her husband's book store credit card as long as she didn't sign. Nevertheless, your cousin's husband's estate is liable for his debts. Therefore, the book store could try to seek payment from the estate. Gratefully, the law provides to spouses some protection from creditors - even those without fancy estate plans. Your cousin should advise the book store that her husband is deceased, and if there is an administrator or executor of the estate, refer the account to such person. My sympathies to all of you.



-- Loretta Salzano

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