Full question:
My father died 3 months ago leaving balances on several credit cards ranging from 7K TO 10 K. He also, unbeknownced to me (his son), mailed balance transfer checks the day I took him to the hospital clearing most of my credit card debt. However the balance transfers take 10-14 days to clear and he died prior. Obviously, this creates the appearance that I made the transfers. First, is my mother liable for the CC debt if she did not use and was not named on the cards? Secondly, can the Credit Card companies take action against me for the balance transfers?
- Category: Wills and Estates
- Date:
- State: Missouri
Answer:
Generally, a spouse is not responsible for the other spouse's individual debts unless they are a joint account holder, authorized user, or have guaranteed the debt. In your mother’s case, since she was not named on the credit cards and did not use them, she is likely not liable for your father's credit card debt.
Regarding the balance transfers, credit card companies may investigate the situation, especially since the transfers occurred shortly before your father's death. However, you should not be held responsible for the transfers if you did not authorize them. State laws vary, so it’s important to consult a legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.