The estate has primary responsibility. But the debts of a spouse are a benefit to both of them, so both have the responsibility.
Death penalty.
For Kentucky the estate is responsible for the debts of the deceased. Only after they are resolved can the estate be closed any any remainder distributed.
I live in California, and my grandmother passed away and I contacted the credit card companies, told them she died, sent a death certificate, and they took care of the debt.
Credit Life Insurance.
If your name is on the account you have to pay. If not, you need to send a copy of the Death Certificate.
In most cases a waiver has to be signed that states the spouse will not be responsible. This is especially true for credit cards. If you have signed a statement in contract that states in case of death... it depends on what it states; responsible or not responsible, again it is all in the fine print. There may be a waiver on a loan if the spouse had no knowledge of said loan if loan was signed into being prior to a wedding date.
The estate of the spouse is responsible. IF both are on the same checking account then the FULL amount of that checking account can be considered the spouses estate too. Even if the account is closed just prior or just after death, then the amount in the account months prior is still considered a portion of the estate.
The estate of the deceased.
The estate is responsible to resolve all debts. Once they are resolved, then the rest can be distributed to the spouse.
The estate of the credit card holder. If the surviving spouse was an approved user, or co-signee they would also be responsible.
AnswerNo, you need to send a copy of the death certificate to the credit card company. You are not responsible for your father's debt.
Your mother's estate is responsible for her credit card debt.