@pipeguy wrote:
@sarge12
I understand your bitterness and although I don't revel in revenge or hate, I will say that when my mother died a few years ago, Chase, Capital One and Dept of Labor FCU (her only accounts) went out of their way to inform us that "we" were not responsible personally for any debt and should there be any claim they would file an estate claim. I don't know if they were looking at her accounts to answer us when we provided a "death of account holder" notice to them, but all were very accommodating and offered the obligatory condolences.
I should note that I too take advantage of cash and 0% promotions including BT's, but don't "churn" per se - if they offer it, I'll take it that's just smart.
+1
@sarge12, I'm sorry your family had such a terrible time after your brother's death, but my experience handling my grandfather's matters with the banks was actually quite smooth. He also passed without an estate, so any and all bills simply didn't get paid.
The banks were actually the easiest to deal with; I simply drafted a form letter stating his name, DOB, SS#, date of death, and that he had passed away with no estate and no assets, and to "please update your records and not contact us about this matter again". I also included a photocopy of his death certificate with the letter; after the banks got it we never heard another peep.
The hospital, doctor, and ambulance bills were another matter... the ambulance company in particular sent a couple of bills after my initial letter was sent, but on the third round I sent a copy of my letter (and photocopy of the death certificate) to every address on the bill (street address, PO box, and receivables) and that finally did the trick... no more letters, and no phone calls.
I truly regret that your mother had to go through what she did, but that's not the universal experience. I can also understand how that experience shaped your opinion of the 'big banks', and rightfully so.
