Discovering debts after husband's death

A question about : Discovering debts after husband's death

I have looked extensively to see if this topic is covered and where to post this, so please tell me where this should be if in a wrong place.

My friend has become a widow and found out she has been left with massive unknown debts. Her husband was a drinker and gambler and had remortgages (2 I think) on the house (in joint names), loans, credit cards etc. She now has a massive mortgage to pay and is finding out more every day. He took out his pension early and all the lump sum has gone. She has 2 children (over 18) and one lives at home. She is in employment and has been for years. I am really worried for her.

Can you advise where she can start? Can she get any immediate financial help from anywhere? Should she pay anything yet, before getting advice? It's a minefield!

Is/Has anyone been in this position or know of anyone who is/has in this position?? I would love to be able to give her websites/telephone nos/pointers etc, so at least some spade work has been done. I've mentioned CCCS to her, and that maybe Al anon and Gamblers Anonymous might be able to help. As you can imagine everything is totally overwhelming at the moment.

I really hope someone can help and/or advise. Thank you.

Best answers:

• I think the starting point is CAB. If he remortgaged the property and it was in joint names and she didn't have to sign the mortgage deed, there may be fraud involved. If CAB can't help try a solicitor, see if you can find one that does a 30 min free initial appointment so she knows what her options are.
• Your friend needs to talk to the mortgage lender. It sounds as though her signature may have been forged to get the remortgages if she knew nothing about them.
• Thank you so much for all your answers. You have confirmed some of my thoughts. Time is of the essence since I asked, and basically no time!! Will log in again much later.
  Really hope CAB will reply.
• It is certainly important to get advice first.
  Unless banks and other lenders have found their morals in the last few years (you can stop laughing now) they almost certainly will ask for payments that your friend is not legally required to pay.
• Hello Queen of bargains
  There are number of strands to your enquiry but the most important is the one about the mortgage because it will affect her right to stay in the property.
  First of all she should request copies of all loans and mortgages. if he has forged her signature then she may be able to argue that the debt is not legal.
  It would be sensible for her to get a copy of her and her husband's credit records so she can see the full picture and hopefully can then start to get her head round what has happened. This link will tell you how to do this
  https://www.adviceguide.org.uk/englan...you_credit.htm
  She may be entitled to some help with benefits and can use the website https://www.turn2us.org.uk/benefits_search.aspx to check
  She must also let her family know the true position as the son at home should be making contributions towards the household and they should know that mom does not have any money to help out.
  Once she has done this and the picture gets a bit clearer she may need to get more expert help but his should be a start