Debt upon death in an estranged marriage

What is the name of your state?I am a resident of Illinois; husband lived in Wisconsin. He is recently deceased. We have been estranged for 13+ years; no dissolution or legal separation paperwork has ever been filed. I have always had custody of our 2 sons, 1 of whom is now emancipated, the other is still a minor. I have never received child support from him and his contact with the kids has been minimal. I understand from his family members that he left substantial debt upon his death. Am I responsible for his debt? Someone told me I can place an ad in the paper declaring no responsibility for his debts. Is this true?

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

What is the name of your state?[quote=NancyGuyKurt]What is the name of your state?I am a resident of Illinois; husband lived in Wisconsin. He is recently deceased. We have been estranged for 13+ years; no dissolution or legal separation paperwork has ever been filed. I have always had custody of our 2 sons, 1 of whom is now emancipated, the other is still a minor. I have never received child support from him and his contact with the kids has been minimal. I understand from his family members that he left substantial debt upon his death.


Am I responsible for his debt?

MY RESPONSE: Wisconsin is a Community Property State. So, yes, you're on the hook. You should have divorced him long ago!



Someone told me I can place an ad in the paper declaring no responsibility for his debts. Is this true?

MY RESPONSE: No, it's not true. That "someone" should be taken outside and flogged to within an inch of his life.


IAAL