Is an individual's unpaid debt rescinded when they passed?

https://lemmy.world/post/44509973

Is an individual's debt rescinded when they passed away? - Lemmy.World

The scenario is like this: boyfriend has unpaid debt (either from loansharks or the bank themselves) however he died from a terminal illness before debt collectors can get to him, but does his death automatically “erase” the unpaid debt he owes as he’s gone? The thing is, they can’t pursue him as he’s literally dead. The contract he signed prior to death only bares his name (meaning the debt can’t be passed down to either his girlfriend or family) as he’s the only signatory listed on paper (while his family are not signatories). Debt collectors or loansharks show up to his residence only finding out from his girlfriend that he passed away (she has his death certificate to prove it), she reiterates that his debt can’t be paid the “conventional” way as he’s no longer alive to do that.

In the US: a big gotcha is medical debt.

Surviving spouses are often stuck with the debt after the patient dies.

It’s one of the many reasons that when you check into a hospital they make you and your spouse sign all kinds of paperwork.

It’s usually the first thing they make you do, and why they roll out that stupid computer cart. Making sure you can and will pay (even after death) is all they really care about. Doing it right when you come in (scared and seeking help) is when they love to pounce.

Providing actual healthcare is way down the list of priorities. I’m talking about owners and admins, not providers.

Yes, it’s very predatory. Murica.

In addition, some couples will even divorce when one of them gets a terminal diagnosis, just to avoid screwing the survivor.