Is a joint credit card holder responsible for other cards?

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My dad passed away a few months ago. He had managed several credit cards. My mom who was on one of them as joint. Is she responsible for all the credit cards. She is not financially strong enough to handle them. What my dad left behind is or house and two old cars. Pls let me know about her responsibilities towards the debt.

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If the cards have been used for family expenses, then your mother may have to take over the responsibility of all the cards. by the way which state are you in?

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Thanks Mac. I am currently residing in Virginia.

helping_user

Hi Lauren,

Virginia being a community property state, the wife should be responsible only for the joint debt and no an individual debt which has the husband's name on it. This is applicable even if the debt is accumulated during marriage. So, your mom will only be liable for the joint debt.

Thanks

SHARLEE2004 · Posted: Tue Dec 26, 2006 9:34 am Post subject:

Unfortunately, I've had experience in this situation. What happens is that your debt 'dies' with you, unless you have a joint applicant.

Unless, your mother was just an 'Authorized Signer'? That means that your father just Authorized her to sign for purchases and is NOT liable for those debts since she did not apply for the card with him.

Creditors will try to collect as much as they can and harrass as much as possible to get some type of payment. Be truthful when they call and ask them if they need a death certificate supplied to them and let them know, you know your rights. Or your mother knows her rights.

What they're hoping is that she'll get tired of the phone calls and letters and just pay them the money. Possibly changing the phone number might be an option.

Good luck

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