Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in New York
Deceased persons credit card debts
Is the spouse of a deceased person responsible for paying off credit card debts that the spouse's name was not on account? If so, do the credit card companies have the right to demand payment in full from spouse who is over age 65 and living on a fixed income?
Asked on 3/16/08, 9:32 pm
1 Answer from Attorneys
Debra Palazzo
Law Offices of Debra Palazzo, LLC
Re: Deceased persons credit card debts
The surving spouse is not responsible for the sole debts of the decesed spouse.
However, if the deceased left an Estate, the Estate is responsible for paying same.
Many times the suriving spouse is pressured by the CC companies to pay debts that are not their responsibility. Don't pay them.
Answered on 3/17/08, 12:08 am