Generally speaking, spouses are only responsible for joint accounts (not just credit card accounts, but installment loans like a car or home too). It doesn’t matter if the couple divorces or one spouse dies – with joint accounts, both are equally responsible for the debt.
Like any other cosigner, spouses would also be responsible for the debt on any account on which they cosigned, regardless of who incurred the debt.
Legally, one spouse is not responsible for individual or authorized user accounts of the other spouse UNLESS they live in a community property state. In these states, the spouse may be held responsible for the debt. Check with an attorney from your state if you are unsure of your liability, because laws vary between community property states. A creditor's right to seize community property in satisfaction of a debt or other obligation incurred by one/both of the spouses also depends on individual state law.
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