Who inherits credit card debt after death?
Rachel Davis
Updated on January 23, 2026
After someone has passed, their estate is responsible for paying off any debts owed, including those from credit cards. Relatives typically aren’t responsible for using their own money to pay off credit card debt after death.
Can you inherit debt in Florida?
Debts of the deceased in Florida cannot legally be passed down to the next surviving family member. Florida law does allow for debts to be paid out of the estate before the family receives what is left. In addition, debts such as liens on property that is inherited can become the obligation of the beneficiary.
Do I have to pay my deceased husband’s credit card debt?
When someone dies, debts they leave are paid out of their ‘estate’ (money and property they leave behind). You’re only responsible for their debts if you had a joint loan or agreement or provided a loan guarantee – you aren’t automatically responsible for a husband’s, wife’s or civil partner’s debts.
How long do creditors have to collect a debt from an estate in FL?
In Florida, creditors have a two year statute of limitations period to file claims against the estate or trust of a decedent. However, upon opening a probate estate, a Personal Representative (“PR”) or Executor, can take action to shorten this claim window.
Who is responsible for a deceased person’s debt in Florida?
estate
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.
What happens to credit card debt when you die?
Who Is Responsible for Credit Card Debt When You Die? When you die, any debt you leave behind must be paid before any assets are distributed to your heirs or surviving spouse. Debt is paid from your estate, which simply means the sum of all the assets you had at the time of your death.
How are debts settled after death in Florida?
It is also important to understand that after you die, debts are paid off based on priority. There are your funeral expenses, and then federal tax debt, which is followed by any medical expenses you had in the 60 days leading up to your death. Then there is unpaid child support, and business debts incurred after your death.
What happens to your taxes after death in Florida?
After that, priority goes to any federal tax debt. Next on the list are the decedent’s medical expenses in the 60 days prior to his or her death. A surviving spouse or children may receive up to $18,000 in payments for living expenses. Then comes unpaid child support, followed by business debts incurred after the decedent’s death.
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.