Husband's credit card debts

[Flowers]

What is the name of your state? New York
My husband is going to be transferred to a long-term nursing home...He has been in rehabilitation and they don't think he is going to make any improvement since he suffered a major stroke which severely impaired him.
My question is: Am I responsible for his credit card debts? They total around $4,000. I have been paying the minimum on them but now that he is going to the nursing facility they will be taking most of his Social Security and pension to help pay for his stay. What is left of that with my own pension will be enough to cover rent and everything else but what about those credit cards?

FlowersWhat is the name of your state?

 

[Ladynred]

Am I responsible for his credit card debts?

Not if your name isn't on them. If you're on there as a joint account holder, then yes.
If he passes away, his debts would be payable out of his estate - if he leaves one.

 

[Flowers]

Thank you LadynRed...No my name is not on them and there will be no estate...We live from pension check to pension check.

How should I notify the creditors of this situation?

Thank you.

Flowers

 

[Ladynred]

Write each of them a letter and explain his situation. That probably won't stop them from tryig to collect, but at least you'll have notified them that he is not expected to recover to a normal life and his small income has to go for his nursing home expenses.

I would also recommend that you mail these letters in such a way that you get a proof of delivery, I don't think it has to be certified, but ask at the post office. That way you have a record not only that you sent it, but that they received it. Keep copies of everything.

 

[Flowers]

Thank you LadynRed....Will do just what you said...Was getting a little worried that the money left would not be enough to cover his cc debt. While he was ok he payed faithfully every month and payed more than the payment due.

Flowers

 

[TigerD]

A couple of points.
If there any money in the estate -- it will have to be used to pay the creditors.


also, a simple letter will not be enough for most creditors. You would be surprised how many times we are told someone is dead and it isn't true.

You will need to make copies of the death certificate and include that with your letter.

 

[Flowers]

No, debt collector, there is no money, there is no estate...The only property we have is a car owned by me from 1988. No savings or cd's or anything else.

Also, he has not passed away...He is going to go to extended Nursing care because they say he has not improved and has no chance to in effect living out the rest of his days there.. He can't move his left side, swallow or speak.

What I was concerned with is that they will be taking most of his Social Security check to pay for his stay there and there won't be enough left over to continue paying the two cards. His money was used to pay the rent and other expenses and now there will be much less of it.

Flowers