Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Virginia

spouse's responsibilty for debt?

if a married couple lives in virginia and one spouse dies, leaving credit card debt and medical bills in his /her (decedant's) name only, is decendant's estate solely responsible for debts?

no property or savings is held jointly.

is surviving spouse responsible for any of this debt?


Asked on 11/29/06, 12:31 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Daniel Press Chung & Press, P.C.

Re: spouse's responsibilty for debt?

Medical bills: maybe. Credit cards: only the estate is liable. A spouse is liable for "necessaries," so if the medical bills were for non-elective care, the surviving spouse is likely liable for them to the extent the estate cannot pay them.

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Answered on 11/29/06, 2:45 pm


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