What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state? AL
I recently received a notice from a collection agency that has been hired as the successor to the bank that issued my late spouse's credit card. I assume that they purchased the debt from the bank. The letter is addressed to the estate of my late spouse. This debt was obtained/signed for years ago by my late spouse only, not me. The letter indicates that if a response disputing the validity of the debt is not sent within 30 days, they will obtain a judgment. This credit card debt was obtained by my late spouse. We did not probate because there was nothing to probate. I do have bank account that is under my SS# in both names joint with survivorship, but I was told that that is not part of an "estate." My question is: what is my obligation in regards to this debt? Can they seize my account? I had paid on the debt for three months after spouse's death, and stopped because I didn't have a job and I was told by an attorney that making payments would obligate me legally to pay it off. What should my next step be? Should I retain an attorney to handle this? Thanks in advance for any input.
I recently received a notice from a collection agency that has been hired as the successor to the bank that issued my late spouse's credit card. I assume that they purchased the debt from the bank. The letter is addressed to the estate of my late spouse. This debt was obtained/signed for years ago by my late spouse only, not me. The letter indicates that if a response disputing the validity of the debt is not sent within 30 days, they will obtain a judgment. This credit card debt was obtained by my late spouse. We did not probate because there was nothing to probate. I do have bank account that is under my SS# in both names joint with survivorship, but I was told that that is not part of an "estate." My question is: what is my obligation in regards to this debt? Can they seize my account? I had paid on the debt for three months after spouse's death, and stopped because I didn't have a job and I was told by an attorney that making payments would obligate me legally to pay it off. What should my next step be? Should I retain an attorney to handle this? Thanks in advance for any input.