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ldrimr1949 · May 15, 2007, 10:35 AM

The love of my life (my husband ) of 34 years went to be with the Lord on March 29,2007. I am having a really hard time getting through this loss.
Now my real question is this; As much as I loved my husband, he left me in a real financial bind. He was what I call a credit card "junkie". I am now getting all these bills he had ran up on credit cards. My name is not on them. Actually I did not even know about most of them. There is no estate and therefore no money. I am told I do not have to pay these bills as long as my name was not on them. I just need to know what to do. Can you help me?

J_9 · May 15, 2007, 10:50 AM

Sweetie, I am so sorry for your loss, I am sure it is hard on you and I hope you have loved ones to help you through this tough time.

I have moved your post to a topic of its own so that it will get the attention it so deserves, rather than riding on the back of a thread someone else has already posted.

Emland · May 15, 2007, 11:01 AM

I am so sorry for your loss.

You state that your name is not on the cards, therefore you are not responsible for the debt. If you have the credit issuer's number - you can call their toll free customer service number on the back of the card or the statement and inform them of his passing. The issuer will require documentation and will request this in writing. DO NOT USE HIS CARDS or other problems could arise. Once you alert the issuer his cards will be shut down immediately, so if you have anything that uses those cards automatically (like bills or eBay, etc.) you need to make other arrangements.

ScottGem · May 15, 2007, 11:11 AM

Some states hold that debts incurred during a marriage can be considered joint. But you should go under the assumption that, as long as your name was not on the credit card contract you are not responsible for the debt.

Take each statement, UNOPENED, write DECEASED - Return to Sender, with a large marker and put it back in the mailbox. If the bills continue to come, then call the card issuer and tell them the stop sending bills. If anyone says you are responsible for those bills, ask them to cite the specific state statute that says that.