Am I responsible for my dead spouse's bills if we were in the process of filing for divorce? 3 Answers as of January 13, 2012

I was in the middle of filing for divorce and my spouse passed away. I have not spoken to her or seen her in 7 years. I was advised by her several years ago that her parents were paying for the divorce and all I had to do was sign the papers and have it notarized which I did. I found out last year through a friend that it never happened, so I started the process myself in 2011. She died of medical complications and now I wonder if I would be responsible for her bills?

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CONSUMER PROTECTION ASSISTANCE COALITION, INC. (DE).
CONSUMER PROTECTION ASSISTANCE COALITION, INC. (DE). | Gary Lee Lane
Yes, if they were community bills.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 1/13/2012
Law Offices of Frances Headley | Frances Headley
It will depend upon the nature of the obligation and when it was incurred. Generally, once spouses separate the bills that they incur are their separate obligation. You should consult an attorney with experience in both probate and family law matters to advise you how to proceed.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 1/11/2012
The Schreiber Law Firm
The Schreiber Law Firm | Jeffrey D. Schreiber
While there may be a difference in the state where she resided, if you have been living separate and apart for 7 years and she has incurred these debts on her own, in the states of which I am familiar, you should not be responsible for her debts.
Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 1/11/2012
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