What happens to the credit card debt when your parents pass away?
August 16th, 2009
Triple Nipple asked:
What happens to credit card debt when one’s parents pass away in the event that they do not have an estate, BUT the children do have an estate (real estate, etc)?
What happens to credit card debt when one’s parents pass away in the event that they do not have an estate, BUT the children do have an estate (real estate, etc)?
Morbid, but just wondering.
I don’t understand your question. You mean what happens to your moms credit card balance if your mom passes away? Or what happens to your credit card balance?
My neighbor’s brother-in-law died. She had to settle the Estate and then keep what left. I guess that how it work. If, they not have an estate then guess the credit cards can send them a bill. But, you not liable for another person’s debts, unless you signed something.
When someone dies leaving debt and no assets, the debt dies with the person.
You send a letter to all the creditors, informing them of the death and lack of forthcoming payment. Include a photocopy of the death certificate — certified copies are expensive and they don’t need a certified copy.
In some cases you have to send it a couple times before the credit card company stops trying to collect.
The other posters are correct. As long as your parents had nothing to probate, then the debt will cease with their death.
However, as an aside, I found something the other day that was rather disturbing. It seems that there are these “niche” collection agencies that actually specialize in probate collections. I guess this is where people get the idea that collectors are ghouls.