 TITLE: How to Handle Credit and Debt After the Death of a Spouse CONTENT: Where to Look for Help\n----------------------\nAfter the death of a spouse, you may be a target of creditors seeking repayment for your spouse's debts. While it's legal for creditors to contact you for information about your spouse's debt, such as how to contact the estate executor, they cannot request payment for debts that aren't your responsibility. Debt collectors must follow federal, state and local laws, including the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, when pursuing a debt. If you are being harassed by creditors, you can send a cease and desist letter, submit a complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or your state's attorney general, or contact an attorney for help.\nHave you discovered your spouse had credit card debt or other debt you never knew about? Are you having trouble paying the bills on your own? Perhaps your spouse always handled the finances and you're feeling overwhelmed. A credit counselor can help you learn to handle your finances, make a budget and develop a debt management plan.\nCredit counseling agencies are usually nonprofit organizations; you can find them through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, Financial Counseling Association of America or the U.S. Department of Justice's list of approved credit counseling agencies.\nWatch out for \"credit repair\" organizations that promise to wipe out your debt, recommend doing anything dishonest or charge a hefty fee. Legitimate credit counselors provide free or low-cost services and teach clients financial literacy, not just how to get out of debt. END