Losing a spouse is devastating enough without opening the mailbox and finding credit card statements, medical bills, and collection notices demanding payment. For many surviving husbands and wives, the financial confusion begins almost immediately, especially when creditors start calling before the estate has been settled.
Here’s something that surprises many families: You aren’t automatically responsible for every debt your spouse leaves behind. Some bills may become your responsibility, others belong to your spouse’s estate, and certain debts may not have to be paid from your personal money at all.
