My wife who died of cancer, over the last few months had charged quite a large sum on different credit cards with family not being aware. I going to assume I am going to be responsible for these bills. She activated numerous cards in my kids, my name and hers using variations of her name. Not blaming her for these charges due to our insurance had maxed out on coverage amount after her 3+ years of cancer treatments, which am now finding out pretty much broke us. Any suggestions?

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Originally Posted by dadsam1952

My wife who died of cancer, over the last few months had charged quite a large sum on different credit cards with family not being aware. I going to assume i am going to be responsible for these bills. She activated numerous cards in my kids, my name and hers using variations of her name. Not blaming her for these charges due to our insurance had maxed out on coverage amount after her 3+ years of cancer treatments, which am now finding out pretty much broke us. Any suggestions?

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The more quickly you can pay your way out of debt the better. Pay off the highest interest cards first. They will eat you alive. Live on less for awhile. I don't know if you own or rent but finding ways to cut costs and double up on payments will be your best bet. If you still have pretty good credit, you may be able to get a low interest consolidation loan. I did that awhile back. I had three high interest cards which I consolidated on a very low interest card. The lower the interest the better and no interest is better than that. In the meantime, stop using your cards altogether. Cancel the ones that are in your name but that you have no control over (your kids', etc.)

First I am so sorry for the loss of your wife, there is nothing that can help with that.

SecondNO NO NO, don't assume you are liable for any of the credit card debts, ( you need to talk to an attorney, don't say you dn't have the money, one payment to one card may cover the first fee.

If you find out you are not liable, have the attorney notify the debtos.
If you find out you are, I seldom recommend this, but check out bankruptcy, you have lost your wife, ended up with 1000's in medical bills and you need to get a closure in your life.

Some states you may be liable for her debts but not all. But in others maybe not. On the cards where she frauded others name, the people she put down may not be liable due to the fruad.