If a spouse were die unexpectedly and spouse has large debt--If surviving spouse places a ad in newspaper that they are not responsible for ...

Question

If a spouse were die unexpectedly and spouse has large debt--If surviving spouse places a ad in newspaper that they are not responsible for the deceased spouses debt.

Does that have any credibility?

Answer

If your spouse was solely responsible for the debt, you don't become responsible for the debt if your spouse dies (or doesn't pay it). It is a claim against the estate.

Answer

Nope. The ad is a waste of money. The debts are paid out of the estate, if there is one. And if you're really savvy, you hire a lawyer and get her property via years support so the debts are ignored.