Responsibility for a Deceased Family Member's Debts

Last Updated on June 26, 2017

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At A Glance

This Alert Affects
Surviving family members who have been contacted by debt collectors regarding the debts of a deceased relative.
Damages
Surviving relatives who paid a deceased family member's debt may be entitled to monetary damages.
Company(ies)
Under debt collection law, collections agencies, companies that purchase delinquent debts and attorneys who regularly collect debts are considered debt collectors.
Additional Details
A debt collector is an individual who regularly collects debts owed to others.
Date
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), a law which protects surviving family members and prohibits debt collectors from abusive practices, was added in 1978 to the Consumer Credit Protection Act.