Merle wrote to me through the GetOutOfDebt.org site and asked the following question. If you have a credit or debt question you’d like to ask just use the online form. I’m happy to help you totally for free.
“Dear Steve,
I have a credit card that I’ve had for over 10 years. It was in mine and my husbands name. I have been paying by check signing my name all this time. My husband passed away almost 2 years ago. They found out and are now calling for the full amount of $6,000. I haven’t been late on payments, what are my options.
Merle”
The Answer:
Dear Merle,
What I find interesting is that you are not behind and the credit card company is demanding full payment. I wonder if this card was in your husbands name and you were just an authorized user on it?
I think what you should do is to follow this link and get a copy of your consolidated credit report and see how the account is reported. If it is listed as a J account, it is joint. But if it is listed on your credit report as an A account, you are just an authorized user.
If you are only an authorized user the credit card company would have to look at your husbands estate for payment.
If you were only an authorized user and continued to use the card after his death and you are just an authorized user, then I have seen the credit card companies go after the authorized user.
Before we rush to any sort of conclusion I need some more information. Get the consolidated credit report and let me know how that account is reported. And while you have the consolidated credit report in your hands, look for any other accounts that remain open that you might not know about, following the unfortunate death of your husband.
