Credit cards and death

Wyndham

My dad died three weeks ago, and my mum has received some really quite formal letters, including one from a debt collection agency, for the two credit cards he had in his name (she was an additional card holder). While I appreciate they need their money, and while my mum has every intention of paying it, I wondered if such distressing letters were 'normal' in this situation.

Anyone else had any experience they'd care to share?

hilstep2000

Write to the card company and explain that your Dad has died. Tell them that when his estate is osrted you will be paying the bills. They should take this as being okay.
Sorry for your loss, it's not nice these things happening. I had the same when my Mum died.

thenudeone

Sorry for your loss.

The credit card debt should be paid out of any assets in the MAIN cardholder's name only. A secondary / additional cardholder isn't liable in any way.

If the main cardholder doesn't have any or enough assets to pay, the card company will simply have to go without

Wyndham

Thank you for the reply. My mum had rung them to tell them he had died, they said not to worry they would sort it, then next thing she knows she's getting these horrible letters.

I just think that when you mention words like 'death' or 'died' that should mean that companies take a more considered approach!

Wyndham

thenudeone - she is happy to pay, knows the money is owed, and has no intention of not paying it. I'm from the sort of family who has always worked that way, debt collections letters are a new thing for us!

bouncydog1

When my MIL died we kept paying the bills, contacted the various companies and told them what had happened and they were all very helpful. Companies do understand this is a difficult time and families need time to sort things out, but you do need to keep them informed in writing. As there will be sufficient funds to pay the debts couldn't you pay them to help your mum or help your mum to sort out the payments?

As suggested, drop them a line with the details of date of death etc and advise that the estate is being sorted out.