Debt After Spouse Dies

[tkilburn]

What is the name of your state? IN

Hi,

I have a quick question for a friend. Recently her husband died. He had no life insurance or estate. He had bought a computer from Dell and she did not know he was buying it until it arrived.

Of course, now Dell wants their money for the computer payments he agreed to make. If she never signed anything or any contract, is she responsible for the debt? She offered to send the computer back to them, but they don't want it either.

Why or why not?

Thanks very much!
Tracy

 

[Who's Liable?]

You need to verify whether or not IN is a "community property" state. If it IS, than your "friend" is liable for ALL debts her husband made during their marriage REGARDLESS of signature. So if he bought the Dell without her knowledge, than yes, she is liable.

If IN ios NOT a CP state, than no, she is not liable, and Dell will need to make a claim against the husbands estate or lose money if there is no estate.

They do not want the computer back because,like most things, the minute the item is shipped out, it depreciates, like a car does. Especially with computers. Most are out-dated within a month or so.