Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Oregon

Deceased Spouse's Credit Card debt with no estate

My mothers husband of 6 yrs recently passed away and she discovered 7 credit cards in his name that she did not know he had. The balances vary between $1000 and $5000. The house was hers but she put his name on it. They have a reverse mortgage on the house. He has no estate and no life insurance. He donated his body to science so cremation was free. They have no savings acct. They both lived off social securtiy only. She is now receiving some nasty letters from the cc and collection companies demanding payment. She sent them a letter telling them there was no estate and she included a copy of his death certificate. Can they go after her for his cc debt if there is no estate. She doesn't get enough from ss to pay his debt. She is ready to have a nervous breakdown and I don't know how to help her. Thank you.


Asked on 2/04/07, 11:19 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Elizabeth Powell ELizabeth Powell PS Inc

Re: Deceased Spouse's Credit Card debt with no estate

I can't tell from your question whether your mom's husband lived in Washington or not.

Also, please accept my condolences on your recent loss.

*IF* these people live in Washington State, she need to contact a probate attorney now.

If you are in Seattle, call Sean O'Neil in Renton, he will help you. YOu can look up any lawyer in the State at the Lawyer Directory under www wsba dot org

It is possible to inherit an estate, but practically impossible to inherit debt. If indeed these were his bills, her obligation to pay his bills ended when he died.

The creditors will behave like hyenas unless and until she gets counsel.

Referrals in King County are a little different from Pierce County. If you were in Pierce, I could (and would) refer you to lawyers there who can explain this for her.

If money is an issue (sounds like) then contact Tacoma Pro Bono - look on line at TPCBA dot org.

Hope this helps - Elizabeth Powell

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Answered on 2/05/07, 12:09 am


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