Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Georgia

Death of Credit Card Holder

I am an authorized user on a credit card and the credit card holder has died. This person was my mother. Will they require a copy of a death certificate or something like that to prove the card holder is deceased.

Am I responsibile to pay off this debt as an authorized user and if so, what are my options. What happens if I don't pay off the debt and just return the bill and mark it as deceased.

The balance on the card is less than $5,000 and I don't have the money to pay this amount. Would you suggest that I talk with them to see if they would settle for a partial payment as a payoff or should I just go down the road and not do anything other than advising of the death of the card holder.

Thank you for your assistance.


Asked on 6/04/06, 2:54 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Glen Ashman Ashman Law Office also dba Glen Ashman Attorney

Re: Death of Credit Card Holder

An authorized user has no liability (unlike a co-signer). However, if she left assets, the creditors get paid before the heirs, so when her estate is probated, this will be a claim against her estate. You should see a lawyer to get that handled.

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Answered on 6/04/06, 4:56 pm
Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

Re: Death of Credit Card Holder

As stated, the creditor will look first to assets of the estate. However, the card issuer does in fact have a claim against you to the extent they can show you obtained goods using the credit. Realistically, they may not go to the effort, but a claim does exist. The right thing for you to do, of course, is to pay your portion of the bill.

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Answered on 6/04/06, 7:20 pm


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