Inherited Debts whilst bankrupt

markfisk

Hello, i have recently become a widow and keep getting debt letters from companies in my wifes name.
I am currently declared bankrupt until 30/06/10 and as a single unemployed parent i just cannot afford to pay these people, please can anybody help me please as i was just looking forward to being debt free myself, but now have my wife debts to deal with, am i legally bound to pay these?? most of the debts are from energy suppliers especially eon, which we where disputing but the amount just keeped going up. am i legally responsable for these debts? if not how do i stop the companies coming after me for the money?
thanks
mark

DVardysShadow

crossposted

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/34091259#Comment_34091259

[OP pls don't crosspost unless your query has been unanswered for 12 to 24 hours]

RAS

Hi

Sorry about you news.

You probably need to talk to your OR about this.

Debts purely in your wife's name are not your responsibility, but should be paid out of the estate IF she had any money (joint accounts would not be in the estate).

However, the situation with utilities is a bit more precarious because they may take the view that they are no longer prepared to provide the service to you.

DarkConvict

If the letters are for your wife, then you do not owe the money.

If your wife has passed away (you mentioned inherited debts) then the debts are paid out of her estate, if debts are more than the estate then the rest is written off. As you have gone BR you have no estate to speak of as its been taken by the OR. Discuss it with the OR but i do not believe these debts can be enforced as there is simply no state to claim on.

DVardysShadow

If the utilities were in your OH's name, they should be paid from their estate - and if there is not enough money there, then the debt should die with them. But you must set up new accounts from the date of death - ideally with readings - although obviously this is not first thing in your mind.

markfisk

i am no longer at the house where the utility company supplied and am now with a different supplier at the new property, however i have spoken to them and they are saying that they are still my responsability and i have to arrange payment.
There is no money from my wifes estate.
how do i stio the companies hassling me?

NorthernLas

This is a link to the gov website on what to do with debts after someone dies. https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/34097795#Comment_34097795

This is what it says about fuel bills

"If you've been living in the property jointly you may be liable for fuel bill arrears. Contact National Debtline for advice"

I suggest you start with National Debtline and explain your circumstances they are on 0808 808 4000 http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/
There are other debt charities that may be able to help https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2077631.