You might be responsible for your spouse’s debt after their death if the debt is shared. This can happen when:
You are a co-signer on your spouse’s loan
You are a joint account holder on a credit card (not just an authorized user on the account)
You live in a community property state, which means you share responsibility for certain debts created during the marriage
You live in a state with necessaries statutes, which are laws that say parents and spouses are responsible for paying certain necessary costs such as healthcare
If you are the executor or administrator, or personal representative for your spouse’s estate, debt collectors can contact you to discuss their debts. Debt collectors are not allowed to say or hint that you are responsible for paying the debts with your own money.