If I’m a authorized user on my mom’s credit card, am I responsible after her death for the balance?
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If I’m a authorized user on my mom’s credit card, am I responsible after her death for the balance?
My mother passed away in 08/07. I’ve been paying her credit card since then cause I am listed as an authorized user as it shows on my credit report. She was married and there was no Will. Her husband was not listed on the credit card as a user. Am I still responsible for this debt since I did not sign any contract and was only a authorized use?. I live in TN and she lived in OK. There was no Will or life insurance. Since she was married and it has been 2 years since her death, am I responsible for this debt? Is her husband responsible?
Asked on November 30, 2010 under Bankruptcy Law, Tennessee
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
I am sorry for your loss. Your Mother's estate is responsible for her debt, not anyone else. You were only an authorized user? You did not sign up on the original contract? Then no, you are not responsible for her debt. Why is it listed on your credit report? Probably because you have been paying the debt. Did you give them your social security number? Hopefully not. And if you are absolutely positive that you do not have not signed the original paperwork then ask them for the original paper work now. If they can not provide it then tell them that it is illegal for them to report the debt on your credit report and that you want them to take it off now. Then stop paying. If they continue to report it file a dispute with the credit bureaus. Good luck.
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