Olivia and attorney Emily Baggett unpack common myths about spousal debt and what really happens when a partner passes away. They clarify the differences between joint accounts, authorized user status, and individual accounts—and how each determines whether a surviving spouse is legally responsible for remaining balances. The conversation explores how grief can create vulnerability, making people especially susceptible to pressure tactics from third‑party debt collectors who may misrepresent what a survivor owes. Emily explains the rights and protections offered by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the importance of directing creditors to the estate’s representative rather than paying prematurely out of pocket. Listeners learn a step‑by‑step action plan that includes pulling credit reports, obtaining death certificates, requesting writte ...