Quick Answer: Surviving spouses are not responsible for deceased partners’ medical debts when there is no estate. Creditors can only collect from the deceased person’s estate, and sending certified death certificates with notification letters typically results in debt write-offs.
“Dear Steve,
My husband passed away in July. He didn’t have an estate or life insurance. He has 2 outstanding medical bills. Will they be able to take any of our tax return. The bills have not gone to collections yet. Help!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Theresa”
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Dear Theresa,
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Creditors can only look to his estate for collection of his debts.
If you have not done so already, please get enough original certified copies of his death certificate and send each creditor a certificate and a letter that he passed away. This will generally do the trick and they will write off the debt. That will be the end of it.
I would not wait too long to do this. The sooner you notify them, the better.
Please post your responses and follow-up messages to me on this in the comments section below.
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Related: whether you’re actually liable for your spouse’s debt.
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