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Collections Law/Authorized user on a credit card

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Expert: Michael Brotherton - 1/15/2008


Question
My father passed away one year ago and left some credit card bills that were listed in just his name with my Mom being an authorized user of the card.  We live in New Jersey and I need to know if she was just an authorized user of his card, is she obligated to pay his credit card bills?  She does have a house, but, is not totally paid off and is on a fixed income.

Answer
Although she is not directly obligated to pay his bills if she is just an authorized user, if the state has assets his creditors may be able to file a claim against the estate and assets may have to be sold to pay the debts unless other arrangements are approved through the courts. This is somewhat speculative as there may be other factors that play into this. You may need to speak to a probate attorney to see what needs to be done. Otherwise I would say she is not responsible.

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Michael Brotherton

Expertise

Consumer/Debtor Rights Advocate. Mike Brotherton is a negotiator with over 30 years experience in consumer lending and collections. Mike has 30 years in the credit and collections industry as a former loan officer, debt collector and manager of two finance companies over several years. Mike is well versed in Loss Mitigation practices and the legal collection process. He has helped literally thousands of people over many years overcome serious financial problems such as foreclosure, creditor lawsuits and abuse by debt collectors. For more information about resolving your "financial emergency" visit www.financialemergency.com. FinancialEmergency.com is a consumer web site which actively promotes Fair Debt Collection Practices and other consumer protection laws. We teach DEBTOR RIGHTS and enforcement of those rights. The more informed you are of your rights and the credit collections practices of creditors the more peace you can have dealing with your FINANCIAL EMERGENCY. Most financial problems are fairly common and as such have some very common solutions. The key is understanding your rights in the collection process and how to enforce them if need be. Primary business- Debtor Rights Advocacy and Debt Mitigation relating to foreclosure, creditor lawsuits, and other serious financial problems. www.financialemergency.com (copy and paste in browser).

Experience

Over 40 years combined experience negotiating disputes and resolving financial issues related to consumer debt, corporate issues and mortgage modifications.

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