Does the widowed spouse get the bills that were in the deceased name?

[piperspal]

Yes, you are responsible. Through the estate, all debts must be paid. At least that's the way it is in NY. My husband passed away 2+ years ago. There weren't any financial "surprises" in terms of credit card debts - we both had ones in our own names & pd. in full every month. But there were other debts, including business dealings. Used $$ from the life insurance to cover it.

This is a very good topic to bring up & sadly, usually isn't until it's too late.

[CESpeed]

Originally Posted by sportsfangal

well, to make a long, painful story short. I preferred to be removed from her account because while it was set up that way for me to be able to write checks and pay bills for her if she was in the hospital, my mom is not responsible with her bills and doesn't pay them. I don't live with her or know her spending habits, but there was an overdraft that she got since I have stellar credit, but she wasn't paying it off and it kept growing.
So, since I do not want to be responsible for any of her debts, I asked to be removed.

Very smart. I learned the hard way with my mom. She is extremely irresponsible and she ran up a huge overdraft which resulted in me being placed on ChexSystems. And she wonders why she isn't on any of my accounts now.

[CESpeed]

Originally Posted by 2mares

Sportsfan
That makes good sense then. Sorry you have that situation. Im trying to protect my credit thru this divorce form the stbx. It sucks that someone else being irresponsible can ruin your credit.

Divorce is what my my credit downward spiral. I wish you better luck than I had.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by Huckleberry3911948

you inherit assets, you also inherit debt.

Only if the debt is attributable to the asset you inherit. Otherwise you only inherit debt if you're a cosigner to it.