My dad died:( does my mom have to pay for the credit card?

Question

My dad died and I'm trying to figure out this financial stuff

Does my mom have to pay off the last credit card bill?

Or do we just leave it alone,

I don't want to wreck my moms credit score by not paying off the bill, my moms credit score is perfect and she's never missed a payment for anything. What should I do

Answer 1

If your mom was a joint user, then she is obligated to pay. If she was only an authorized user, she has no obligation to pay out of her own pocket.

If your mom lives in a community property state, that does not automatically mean she is responsible for the debt.

If she lives in a CP state she should learn the CP laws, or if she has a probate lawyer, ask the lawyer.

If she was not a joint user, her responsibility is to inform the credit card company by sending a death certificate. The credit card company will have to file a petition to the estate for payment. If there is no estate, they probably will not get paid.

One poster recommended using life insurance, life insurance is exempt from being attached for any and all debts. The poster also recommended working out a payment plan.

If she is a joint user and having financial difficulty going from 2 paychecks to one paycheck, then yeah, she might consider doing that.

If she was not a joint user, asking the creditor to work out a payment plan with her may end up biting her since it's not her debt. She could be making it hers by making a contract agreement to pay.

When in doubt, speak to a lawyer.

I'm very sorry for the loss of your dad.

Answer 2

YOU GUYS NEED TO CALL THE CREDIT CARD COMPANY AND LET THEM KNOW YOUR FATHER DIED! I AM SURE YOUR MOM WILL KNOW WHAT TO DO...

SORRY ABOUT YOUR DAD....

Answer 3

It depends.  What state are you in?  Is your mother also on the card as a secondary.  Did your father have a will.  I would need the questions answered before I can answer you question correctly.

**Anjell, even if her father had life insurance that money is for you mother or whomever was named as beneficiary.  I would not pay the bill unless I was also on the card and if I was able to pay for the card.  If she does not pay then it could be paid by the estate, if the credit card company files with the court in a timely manner once an estate or administration was opened.

Answer 4

notify the credit card company immediately so they won't impose penalty for not paying it.  then figure out the rest

Answer 5

Sorry to hear of your loss.

Most of the time, yes, all dues will go to next of kin, or the next close family member.

Answer 6

Sorry for your loss.

It really depends on the composition of your father's estate. Did he ever make your mother his power of attorney? Meaning she should take care of his financial obligations after death? If this is the case then yes there is an obligation for her to pay. Especially if the account is joint, if the payments are defaulted on then her pristine credit will definetly get messed up.

Does she have the financial means to pay? Did your dad have any life insurance? Could she use that money? How about any valuable assets? Please have your mom contact the credit card company and work out a payment plan. Being hounded for payments will only add to her already distressing situation.

All the best !