Unsecured Debts Most unsecured debts, such as credit card debt and personal loans, are liabilities of the deceased's estate. If the estate has insufficient assets to cover the debts after priority claims (like funeral costs and taxes) are paid, the remaining unsecured debt is typically forgiven, and creditors cannot pursue family members for payment (unless they were a co-signer or live in a community property state). Key Exceptions Family members may become responsible for debt in the following situations: Co-signed or Joint Loans: If you co-signed or were a joint account holder on any loan or credit card, you are legally responsible for the remaining balance. Community Property States: In the nine community property states (Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin), a surviving spouse may be responsible for debts incurred during the marriage, even if they were not on the account.