Who is responsible for your credit card debt after your death?

In: Debt Responsibility [Edit categories]

Generally speaking, the estate is responsible for the debts of the decedent. The debts must be paid before there can be any distribution to the heirs. If the assets of the estate are not sufficient to pay those debts the estate is declared to be insolvent.

Creditors have a statutory period in which to file a claim against the estate. State laws vary. You need to check the laws of your state to determine if any special provisions may apply. In community property states credit accounts opened in one name during a marriage may automatically become joint accounts.

The situation changes in the case of JOINT account holders. If you are a joint account holder or co-signer with the decedent then you will be held responsible for full payment of the outstanding balance.

Note that many creditors will try to get payment from heirs. Check with an attorney before making any payments toward any debt of a decedent.

First answer by Schnazola. Last edit by Kluss. Contributor trust: 121 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 751 [recommend question]

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