Debt, Credit, and Financial Identity
What about their credit card debt?
Short answer
If the card was solely in their name and you were not a joint account holder (authorized users are not joint holders), the debt is a claim against the estate — not your personal responsibility. If you were a joint account holder…
What this usually means
If the card was solely in their name and you were not a joint account holder (authorized users are not joint holders), the debt is a claim against the estate — not your personal responsibility. If you were a joint account holder, you are responsible for the full balance. Notify the credit card company of the death and stop using the card.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.