My husband passed away at the end of last May. Since that time, I have diligently tried to pay off all his outstanding debts. His credit card with Chase had a substantial balance. I have already paid off about$5000 (which would have been greater if they hadn't hiked the interest rate to 27%).

My husband apparently made me an authorized user of this account so that I could make payments on his behalf or have contact with Chase for information. I never signed anything nor used this account nor did I ever have a credit card in my possession. The statements came in his name only.

Now, Chase has closed the account (even though I was making payments after his death up until December) and are demanding the full amount be paid immediately. There isn't enough money in the Estate account to do that.
They won't discuss the account with me because it was HIS account yet they want me to pay it. They are very uncooperative and refuse to work with me. It is now on my credit report.

Am I obligated to pay this debt? Can they come after me personally?

I don't know How legal it would be to ignore this bill but I would not make them a high priority.Having said that you must do as much research as possible to find out your obligations concerning your husbands bills after his death,as it already impacts your credit!Consult an attorney as soon as possible before you give anyone else a dime!:cool:

My attorney who is handling the Probate told me not to worry about it because notices to creditors were posted and I had appropriately advised Chase about his death. However, I am concerned about MY credit and I'm not convinced that my attorney is right.

If you receive any presentations from them, try this statement;

"Your offer of contract for Subject Matter Jurisdiction or Personal Jurisdiction is hereby rejected and returned to you unsigned in Full accord with Truth in Lending.

You are ORDERED to PROVE UP THE CLAIM OR CEASE and DESIST under the color of law.

Any further correspondence from the Sender/signer, Agents, Heirs or Assigns MUST be signed under the Penalties of Prejury.

If you or your Agents/Heirs/Assigns are representing me or _______________, You are Hereby-FIRED!!!!"

Without Prejudice, without recourse.
__________________________________

By: _____________________________________, Agent with the Power of Attorney in Fact.

Just a suggestion, not legal advice.

Thank you for that.
Should I also send Chase a copy of the death certificate? (As if this isn't a matter of public record already... I was able to locate the information about his death online).
They are really nasty. I am in the process of cancelling all of my bank accounts with them.

Yes send them are copy of the Death Certificate, All tell them to put it in writing, no calls. This will help avoid mis-understanding. Good luck.

Just a thought, not legal advice

Thanks once again.
It's difficult enough to go through all of this without being faced with the many problems that have surfaced over the months. I am most appreciative of any assistance that I receive.

Tomorrow will be another day, so please keep the faith and remember there are people you care.:)

I have never lost faith but companies like Chase make you wonder about people. That collector made me feel like a deadbeat (which is anything but the case here). I often wonder if people like him sleep at night.
Thank you for being a "friend".