Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Indiana

Does credit card debt survive death?

My elderly father kindly arranged for me to use one of his credit cards as an authorized user. I have made more than $3000 in charges with it. He has made almost none.

My father's health is not good. If he dies, can the creditor force his estate to pay the balance? (I believe his account is ''unsecured.'')

If not, can the creditor force me to pay for the charges I made myself?

Please e-mail [email protected] with answers, thanks.


Asked on 1/29/03, 6:09 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Bator Bator Redman & Shive

Re: Does credit card debt survive death?

If you are an authorized user, that is were you put on the account? If you were you may be personally liable for your charges.

If not, then the credit card company can file a claim in your father's estate and if there are sufficient assets to pay it they will get paid. If there aren't enough assets, then the creditor is out of luck

Good luck and I hope your father recovers

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Answered on 1/30/03, 11:27 am


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