Credit Card Debt, Divorce and Death Question WA State?

Question

Divorced 3 yrs ago, judgement was that I give him quit claim deed to house & he was to pay off debts (I only suspected amounts, we were separated for some time). After divorce,checked my credit report and saw a credit card on it, disputed it saying it was his debt and we had divorced & to correct it, and subsequently it was removed from my report & I assumed that was the end. Ex died a few months ago, now just this week I've been contacted by cc co. saying I owe $29,000! I earn low wages & no assets left. He apparently opened acct before I knew him & as far as I remember I am not a co-signer nor did I spend the money. He died broke but his mother died just days after him, and I believe his estate would have inherited substantially. The cc co is demanding immediate payment, saying they will ruin my credit which I have slowly built up to score of high 700's since the divorce. Told it is 7 months since last payment yet I've never seen a bill. Advice? Sincere thanks.

Saw a consumer law atty today who got on the phone and was given the same run around as they gave me, several different depts including "customer fullfilment". They had gone so far as to remove ex-s name from acct and show me as primary cardholder. He said he feels they are blowing smoke, not to worry. I have reported this to the FTC as this institution lied to me, tried to cheat me, and threatened me with ruin for something they knew full well that I am not responsible.

Answer 1

Stephen is on the right track with his answer. Also, I'm including a link for you to get a copy of his death certificate to add to the records you have.

The cc company is on a witch hunt (which person can we get to pay for this bogus claim).

You are not legally responsible for his debts and should not make any kind of 'offer' to pay them.

Check around because there are some very good attorney's in WA that will do the 'heavy lifting' (send them a cease and desist letter) for about $50 or so.

I have included the link where you can request the death certificate.

Answer 2

Send them a validation letter requesting proof that you are responsible for this debt, including signed contracts. Point out that you have been divorced from this guy for 3 years and never co-signed. Send the letter certified mail, return receipt.

Some credit card companies really beat the bushes trying to find someone to pay. If it shows up on your credit report, dispute it. You can use the lack of response to your validation request or the contract without your signature as proof the debt is not yours.

Answer 3

1. Dispute it. If nothing else, this will stall things a little.
2. For $29,000, talk to a lawyer.
3. If an estate can inherit in WA state (which I doubt), have the executor of his estate pay the debt out of what his estate inherits from his mother.