Can debt collectors pursue surviving spouses for unpaid debt?

Debt collectors often pursue surviving spouses for unpaid debt, but responsibility is far from automatic. Nuttawan Jayawan/Getty Images The financial aftermath of losing a spouse can be tough to navigate, and it can extend far beyond funeral arrangements and estate paperwork. In a period already filled with difficult decisions and emotional strain, surviving spouses are often left sorting through bank accounts, insurance policies, mortgages and outstanding debt balances, in many cases without a clear understanding of what they're responsible for and what they're not — particularly when it comes to their loved one's unpaid debts . That uncertainty can be especially pronounced in today's economic environment. Household debt levels are currently sitting at record highs, credit card interest rates are still hovering near historic highs and many borrowers are carrying much larger balances than they were just a few years ago. As a result, it's increasingly common for surviving family members to discover that a loved one passed away while still owing significant amounts to lenders, credit card companies or other creditors. And, if debt collectors start calling about those unpaid balances, it makes sense to wonder whether creditors can turn to other parties for repayment. So, will debt collectors actually try to pursue a surviving spouse over unpaid debt, or are there rules in place to keep that from happening? That's what we'll explore. …