My Partner Died. Do I Have to Pay their Debts?
If your partner dies do you have to pay their Debts? Your wife, husband or partner died and their creditors start to contact you and tell you that you have to pay their debts. You are so distraught with this tragedy that you are not thinking clearly and believe what they tell you. Just because you are married or living common law with someone that does not mean that you are liable for their debts. The creditors of the deceased person can look to the assets of the deceased and nothing more. You might, of course, have co-signed a loan or mortgage or had a joint credit card with the deceased or signed something that created your liability. So, if you are ever in this unfortunate situation, ask whoever is calling you to send a copy of what it is that you signed that made you liable for the debt. If you signed nothing, then ask the collection person on the phone to send you a copy of whatever law he is aware of that makes you liable for the debt. You are not refusing to pay any debt that you are liable for, but you are entitled to know what you owe and why you owe it. If you are not sure of anything, please meet with a lawyer or other financial advisor to discuss this matter. If you have children, do not hesitate to ask them for help in reviewing the debt or coming with you to meet with the lawyer or financial advisor.
Contact Rumanek & Company Ltd. for more information on bankruptcy and debt solutions. Or please fill out the free bankruptcy evaluation form. To learn more please visit our YouTube Channel. Rumanek & Company have been helping individuals and families overcome debt for more than 25 years.
