Credit Card Debt Collection

[Tommy_o]

My jurisdiction is: NY, USA

My brother passed away last month and I'm trying to sort out the finances for my sister-in law. He had 4 or 5 credit cards in his name only with balances from $400 to $2000( approx.). I notified each one of his death and faxed the death certificate and closed the accounts to stop the interest, late fees, etc. She had no involvement in these cards and there is no will. Already, just a week later, they are demanding payment from her. What should she do?

 

[Michael Wechsler]

Everyone will demand payment. She can tell them that they will have to wait - although she's probably best off trying to come to terms with them while the estate is being settled. If there is money in the estate to pay the accounts then that money will come form the estate - best probably to make this as clean and expeditious as possible.