Credit Card Debt After Death of Realitive

[suewee]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? State of Oregon.

My Mother Inlaw incurred a veriety of small credit card debts that before her death she was paying small payments. Some were meeting the minimums, but most were not. I would approximate her total debt to be under $20,000.00.

Of her six adult children, my Husband and I, and my Sister Inlaw were the only ones helping her financially i.e., cash gifts, setting up her retiree apartment, calling utilitiy companies for her when she didn't understand her bills, etc.

MIL passed away April, 2009. All of the children were involved in funeral arrangements, and there was an intentional savings account of the MIL's to help pay for funeral costs, which after services there was nothing left. The utilities were paid from out of pocket between SIL, and Husband and I.

The family asked that I call her debtors to inform them of her death, and that we forward her mail to our PO Box.

With that history know....my question is, if there was no legal estate in place, and no money to speak of, is there any responsibility to befall on to my Husband and I from MIL's debtors?

I called each credit card company to inform them of her death, and sent copies of her Death Certificate to each one with the understanding that we would no longer be obligated in any capacity after supplying this information to them.

We continue to hear both by phone and letters from legal institutions asking us to contact them so we can resolve the debt. I have ignored the requests thinking if I engage with them in any way I'll be claiming responsibility by doing so. Is that correct?

Thank you!

[justalayman]

Originally Posted by suewee

We continue to hear both by phone and letters from legal institutions asking us to contact them so we can resolve the debt. I have ignored the requests thinking if I engage with them in any way I'll be claiming responsibility by doing so. Is that correct?

!

you are not liable for your MIL's debts. I would either continue to do what you are (ignore them) or send them a letter demanding they stop harassing you as this is not your debt.


I would be very cautious about speaking with them or communicating anything other than denying the debt totally. It may result in you becoming the debtor if you say the wrong thing.

I would also keep an eye on your credit report to be sure noting improper happens.

[suewee]

Thank You....I was hoping/thinking I was on the right track with this issue.

And thank you for the reminder on credit reports...didn't think about that one!

[BlondiePB]

Originally Posted by suewee

Thank You....I was hoping/thinking I was on the right track with this issue.

And thank you for the reminder on credit reports...didn't think about that one!

You can also inform the creditors that the estate is insolvent and all future bills can be sent to your MIL. Her new address is "name of the memorial park."

Be sure to tell them they must cease & desist from calling you.