I am from Tn, my wife committed suicide labor day weekend 2007. She has had numerous back surgeries, they sent her to pain clinic and they changed her medication to morphine patch, she took a pistol and ended her life, I have 3 dependent children from previous marriage that I have been raising before I married her. The house was already mine and in my name only. We had a family insurance plan through work, who is responsible for all her unpaid bills, there was a small amount of life insurance--it paid the funeral expenses and there is a small portion left. I was named sole benificiary on the life insurance policy. Help ==I don't where to start or what to do... creditors are calling all hours day and night and telling me I am going to be sued. Thanks tim

I'm sorry for your tragic loss. You can be held responsible for joint debts/credit cards. But anything that was solely in your wife's name, if unsecured, died with her. If secured, they can take the collateral to try and recoup as much as possible but that's it.

Hello nt:

As cianci said, you too are responsible for any JOINT bills and accounts. If their trying to collect her bills, then you can stop them from harassing you or calling you by invoking your rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. It's really short - I'd Google it and read it.

That act allows you to send them a letter telling them to STOP ALL contact with you or risk fines of up $1,000 per day. Send the letter certified, return receipt requested.

The only thing they can do at that point is give up or sue you. If they sue you and the bills are solely your wife's, then just tell the judge. Better yet, SHOW the judge.

excon