Insolvent estate after death - what do credit card companies do?

fil212

My Dad passed away. It looks like their won't be enough money in his Estate to pay off the credit cards he owed. The solicitors say they will have to write off the debt.

I know I'm not expected to pay off his debts, I know that they have to be paid from what remains of his Estate, but I wondered if anyone any experience of this? What should I expect from the Credit Card companies?

MrBernard

Hello, and sorry for your loss.

My Dad died leaving quite a bit of debt, and the collections agency letters continued for some time. Once I had my head together, I sat with a big stack of bill, statements and final demands and called them one my one.

They were all very sympathetic and professional. Some just closed the accounts on my say so, and some asked that I send a copy of the death certificate.

Not the most enjoyable day I've had, but not as traumatic as it could have been. I think to each one went along the lines of:

"I'm phoning regarding account ref. xxxxxx"
- "Can you confirm your name"
"The accoung name is Mr Blah, I'm Miss Blah and I phoning to inform you that Mr Blah has passed away. I'm acting for his estate - can you tell me what you need in order to close this account?"

He had various PPI policies (the upside of selling them to all and sundry!) and some of these actually settled the debt.

Gary1963

My Mother left a large debt as well. It was all written off as there was no estate.

alfred64

When I die I will be o.k. then, no-one will come after me?

dane-katie

alfred64 wrote: »

When I die I will be o.k. then, no-one will come after me?

How are they going to come after you if your dead?

fil212

Thanks MrBernard, Gary1963, that's really helpful.
I thought that was going to be the case. My dad's solicitors are the executors so they act for the estate. I guess they will be having those conversations with the cc companies, so it's good to hear what they are likely to report back when I next see them.
Cheers.

CollectionsExpert

Sorry for your loss first of all.

We usually request a copy of the death certificate and notification of who is the executor of the estate. once that has been recieved (and i dont deal with the ins and outs) to the best of my knowledge, there is negotiation of possible part settlement from estate/ppi claim to clear/balance write off

Nothing for you to worry about though because its not in your name, so nothing they can do to you. Most companies you will find very sympathetic and point you nicely in the right direction.

Keep your head up!