Expert: Apex Credit Services, LLC - 12/3/2008

Question
My husband passed away suddenly in October of this year. We lived and I live in North Carolina. There are at least two collection agencies now contacting me via mail wanting payment from his estate.  

There is no estate. He left me with nothing but bills...no insurance - no money at all.  He had $80 in his pocket when he passed away...$80!!  I live solely on my social security check now. These collector's have been mailing him for several years...in fact, perhaps the SOL has passed?  One agency tries for awhile then they pass the account  to another agency when they get "no where."  How can I get them to leave me alone.  There are no assets to his estate.  Nothing.  All he left me is bills and these collectors. Am I responsible for his debts when my name is not on the account? Both were credit card debts.  I not only have lost my husband and have to face surviving on my own now and alone and now I have these animals after me.  They begin their letters with "sorry for your loss"...but....
what, if anything can I do?

Answer
Joan:

  Send the current debt collectors a request for validation.  Therein, also tell them to reduce all future communications to writing and not to call you.  At Apex Credit Services, LLC this is a portion of what we do as a part of our credit restoration package but, you can certainly do it yourself.

  To answer your question, no, you are not responsible for the debt unless North Carolina is community property state.  I would consult with an attorney about this as well as regarding violations of the FDCPA and North Carolina state law.  You may call us at Apex Credit Services for a referral or go to the National Association of Consumer Attorneys website.

        Apex Credit Services, LLC
        http://www.apexcreditservices.com
        888-727-4818