my father in law died last month, is my mother in law responsible for his debt if it is in his name alone?

Question

He was sick for several years and made many internet purchases through QVC, Dell, etc.

Answer 1

It depends on if they lived in a common law state. If they do then his debts and assets are hers too. They need to be paid off through his estate otherwise.

Answer 2

Indirectly.

His estate, which passes to her tax free, is liable for any outstanding bills including credit cards, personal loans, and any other liabilities. That's the law. If not, terminal people would just go out and spend like crazy until they died and their heirs would get to keep all the stuff that was bought.

Sorry, but you need to account for all of those bills or she (and eventually you) will get chased by creditors for a long time.

Answer 3

check state/provincial/national law, dude.

common law states and Louisiana are different from the rest of the US and some states may have a specific provision.

other countries have different laws.

btw, it is the law of where he officially lived, not necessarily where he was when he died. [ex: if you live in PA but die while snorkeling off Florida, Pennsylvanie law controls.]

Answer 4

she is not responsible for any credit card debt unless she was on the card with him.