 TITLE: Can I Use My Spouse’s Credit Card After They Die? CONTENT: Am I Responsible for my Deceased Partner's Credit Card Debt?\n------------------------------------------------------------\nWhether you are liable for your deceased partner's credit card debt depends on the type of credit card account and the state where you live. If you and your spouse are joint account holders on a credit card, you are both equally responsible for the debt on the card, no matter who made the charges. Joint credit card accounts are fairly rare these days, so if you and your spouse share a credit card, it's probably because one of you is the account holder and the other is an authorized user. Check the terms of your credit card agreement or contact the card issuer to find out.\nIf you are an authorized user on your spouse's credit card, or if the credit card is in your spouse's name alone, you generally are not required to pay those debts unless you live in a community property state. In these nine states, any debt incurred by one spouse is considered the responsibility of both spouses. That means you will be responsible for your deceased spouse's credit card debt, even if you're not a joint account holder or authorized user on the card.\nThe community property states are: Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin; in Alaska, spouses can choose to make their property community. Specific laws regarding community property may vary from state to state, so you should check with your state's attorney general's office or contact an attorney specializing in estate law to clarify your responsibilities for your spouse's credit card debt.\nAfter your partner or spouse dies, you may also be liable for any debt you cosigned or that was held jointly. Mortgages, auto loans and home equity loans are common examples of debt commonly shared with a partner that may now be solely on your shoulders. Depending on the laws in your state, you may also be responsible for your deceased spouse's medical debt.\nWhat if your spouse or partner died with credit card debt for which you are not responsible? In most cases, the credit card balance will be paid using the assets in your spouse's estate.\nIf you're unsure of what debts you are and are not responsible for, the best approach is to consult an attorney before making any decisions or payments. If an attorney is not an affordable option, reach out to your spouse's lenders to get more information. END