This should be an easy CC query

Leithlurker

Hi everyone, looking for some information on a situation that is about to happen.

Partner A, has CC and has had for many years. No problems with paying bills apart from the odd late payment which has incurred penalties which were paid without fuss.

Partner B never has had a credit card and owing to being mainly on disability related benefits, unlikely to be approved for one in own right.
(A and B are Married btw)
Partner A applies for a second card in Partner B's name as an addition to her account. All approved all happy so far.

Partner A is diagnosed with terminal illness and has a time span of less than a year to live. On the death of partner A will partner B be liable for all of any unpaid balance?

Fruit_and_Nut_Case

Short answer: No
Longer answer: Partner A's estate will be responsible.

Leithlurker

Thank you Fruit and Nut, am going to live life on the edge and take your answer one step further and ask if I am wrong in thinking that should the estate not have the funds to cover the remaining balance, the debt cannot be pursued from partner B?

Fruit_and_Nut_Case

You are not wrong in thinking that.

YorkshireBoy

If A and B own a property, and the debt is significant, I understand a charge could be placed on the property...which would affect both B and any will beneficiaries.

chattychappy

The estate (if any) will be required to pay the debts before B inherits. If the estate is insolvent and there are any assets that pass by survivorship (eg a house in joint names: specifically held as "joint tenants"), the CC could go to court to get an order that the house is used to pay off the debt. In the circumstances this seems unlikely, or as YB says, they could agree to a charge on the property.

Failing that, the debt would be written off. In normal circumstances there is no recourse to B. However I would urge B to exercise caution and not take advantage of the situation.

A very sad situation, it seems.