Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Washington

Credit Card Debt of Spouse

We live in WA, if a spouse dies and they have a credit card debt in just there name, is the spouse responsible.

I have a friend who lost her husband and they had one CC bill with $4000 in debt and the lawyer told her she didn't have to pay that one, as it was only in her husbands name. Is this true.


Asked on 4/04/08, 11:53 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Christopher Steuart IT Forensics, Inc.

Re: Credit Card Debt of Spouse

Washington is a community property state. So unless the credit card and the debt on it was from prior to the marriage the spouse is responsible for the debts of the deceased spouse. A credit card company may give a discount to settle a card and may forgive the obligation.

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Answered on 4/06/08, 12:31 am


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