debt from deceased spouse's business

[Sally0124]

What is the name of your state? NH

My spouse owned a business that folded in 2001. At that time, debts were settled with creditors. Since then, a debt collection company must have purchased the forgiven debts. My spouse died in 2005. I am receiving mail from the debt collector addressed to my spouse's now defunct company at my home address, and am receiving phone calls at my residence. I have not answered the letters or the calls because I don't know how to deal with them. I have not informed them of my spouse's death as i do not want them coming after me. Can they come after me? I do not know what the debts are for, nor am I sure that I never signed anything for my spouse when the business was being established. The estate for my spouse is now closed. Am i indebted to pay these debts?

[Ladynred]

I have not informed them of my spouse's death as i do not want them coming after me. Can they come after me?

They can NOT come after you at all. Send them a copy of your spouse's death certificate and that should be the end of it.

The estate for my spouse is now closed. Am i indebted to pay these debts?

No, and it's far too late for them to make any claims against your spouse's estate.