Is a surviving spouse responsible for credit card debt in Florida?

For most people in most situations, the answer is no. When someone dies, their estate is responsible for paying off their debts. That means that debt collectors can go after bank accounts and other forms of savings and assets that the deceased individual owned to get the money they’re owed. The debt simply goes unpaid.

Is a spouse responsible for medical bills in Florida?

Is a wife responsible for her husband’s medical bills? A No, as long as you do not sign anything that says you will be responsible or guarantee the bill. The Florida Supreme Court ruled in 1986 that unless the Legislature acted otherwise, the Common Law imposes no liability on a wife for the necessaries of her husband.

Can a credit card company collect after the death of a spouse?

Normally, the only debts credit card companies are legally allowed to pursue after the death of a spouse are debts from joint credit accounts. In the event that a collection agency repeatedly calls a surviving spouse trying to collect debt from a non-joint account, the survivor should seek legal help.

Who is responsible for credit card debt after death?

After the death of a spouse, the survivor is generally only responsible to pay credit card debt from joint accounts. In almost all other cases, the deceased spouse’s estate is responsible for paying all debts, including credit card debts.

Can a credit card company collect after a cosigner dies?

The death of your cosigner does not eliminate your obligation to pay the debt. As a result, if the decedent’s estate did not have enough assets to pay off the debt, the credit card company can still pursue you to collect it.

Can a credit card company contact a decedent?

Credit card companies and debt collectors are allowed to contact a decedent’s spouse, administrator or executor of the estate, guardian, or any other person with authority to pay the decedent’s debts from his or her estate.