What happen to someone who die, and leave a big credit card balance?

1. 71

   Darknlovely3436posted 12 years ago

   What happen to someone who die, and leave a big credit card balance?
   
   Who is responsible for that debt, and do you think the credit card companies should stop forcing us to accept their line of credit ?

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2. 39

   Lady In NCposted 12 years ago

   Hi , good question . I would think the spouse is left with the debt to pay  if there is a spouse .. Credit cards reel ya in any way they can ,plus they are so convinent ,however they shouldn't force their line of credit . Also ,a spouse shouldn't be left with a credit card debt if they aren't the one using it ... But that is the way it works

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3. 60

   Ibrahim K. Shafinposted 12 years ago

   Hmm... really a good and thoughtful question...It makes me go mad....Thinking.....Trying to figure out an answer. Thanks for raising an interesting conversation!

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4. 60

   escriveinposted 12 years ago

   Great question. Financial counselor and talk radio host Dave Ramsey often says "What you own stands good for what you owe.”
   
   This means that the estate (all that the person owned - their assets, their property, etc) will be used to pay off the outstanding debt before it is divided up amongst other heirs.
   
   For instance, if a husband has a balance on his personal credit card (and his wife was not a co-signer on it), and the husband passes away, the surviving wife does not take on his debt. Rather, the assets that are considered his will be used to pay off the debt, such as up to 50% of any cash in the bank and 50% of the sale value of the house.
   
   But it's important to understand that debt is not transferable. You can't inherit a debt from your deceased spouse or parent. And a deceased relative's credit standing will not affect your own credit standing. Debt collectors may try to convince you otherwise, but you're not liable for a debt you did not incur. The only way you can incur debt is if you signed for it, be that through your personal credit account or an account you co-signed for.
   
   Certainly in instances where the husband and wife were co-signers on the same credit card, or where the husband and wife share ownership of a house together, things can get complicated. It's always a good idea to talk with a competent estate attorney who can sort through the issues with you.
   
   Bottom line, don't pay for anything you're not convinced you're responsible for. Collectors will try to collect from anyone, so stand firm until you know what the absolute right answer is.

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5. 59

   onlinemom1963posted 12 years ago

   Good question, basically, when a person dies with a big credit card debt, his overall possessions and properties will be used to pay for the said debt. After that, if there is still much to be paid, it will then be divided among heirs like his/her spouse and children.

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