Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California

Re: deceased father

If he left no estate to speak of, as his child you have no obligation to pay his credit card bills. I'm sorry to hear about your loss. It's always tough when someone so close passes. If you have a copy of his death certificate, send it to the credit card companies and tell them to close out the accounts -- and that there's nothing from which to pay them. The same with the taxing entities.

Re: deceased father

The credit card lenders (unless he had co-signers or the accounts were joint with someone other than your mother) can only seek reimbursement for what they are owed from your father's estate. You say he did not leave any monies, but if he had other assets, you need to evaluate if they should have been probated. Failure to properly administer your father's estate could create some liability. I'd suggest that you talk to a local probate attorney to review the facts and see if there is any potential liability.

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