Legal Question in Family Law in Hawaii

Is a legal wife still liable for abandoning dead husbands debt.

My Dad left my mom 5 1/2 years ago to live with a much younger woman. He continually refused to go ahead with divorce proceedings and refused to sign papers that would start proceedings(stating he would NEVER divorce mom).He moved to HI and left my mom with his debt, which she paid most off(because of marriage,his credit reflects on hers).She is still paying off one credit card he had under his name alone BEFORE the split.He moved to HI with his girlfriend, bought property, had a child and told everyone(official agencies and friends)that she was his wife.He died last month after a week long hospital stay (w/ tests)and we do not know what to do. We do not know what debt he has in HI or CA(credit card or otherwise.(He did ''buy'' property)How do we get family possesions back to the family & who pays.We want to be amicable because his girlfriend and we will be connected forever through his new son.Will my mom have to pay for whatever money scheme he had after they split, or his hospital stay.Before, with mom, all his hospital bills would have been covered by her work insurance, but not now. Do we need to notify the credit card companies or credit bureaus of his death, or will the state of HI take care of that. How do we start probate.


Asked on 6/13/05, 2:48 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: Is a legal wife still liable for abandoning dead husbands debt.

Do not rely on the state of HI or anybody else. Wife should get on the next plane to HI (with marriage certificate) and should take a taxi to see a HI probate lawyer as soon as the plane touches down. Call ahead for an appointment. Search the internet for a Hawaii probate lawyer.

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Answered on 6/13/05, 2:56 pm


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