Is The Surviving Spouse Responsible For The Deceased Spouse CC Bills in Missouri

[sunnysoranges]

My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: Missouri

Is The Surviving Spouse Responsible For The Deceased Spouse Credit Card Bills in Missouri? The account was opened in the deceased spouses name and the living spouses name was added as an authorized user a few months later. One of the credit card agreements states that an authorized user is not financially responsible. Any info is greatly appreciated. Thanks

[Betty3]

First off, did the deceased spouse have an estate to be probated from which the credit card debts could be paid?

(Otherwise, she *possibly* might be under the doctrine of necessaries though I believe Mo. only applies this to medical debts per my reference.)

[sunnysoranges]

Thanks for your reply. There was no probatable estate for payments to be made from. The whole doctrine of necessaries had me wondering since it pertains to medical bills but I wasnt sure what other aspects it pertained to.

[Betty3]

Per my reference, Mo. just applies the doctrine of necessaries to medical bills of the deceased spouse.