Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in New Jersey

No, if they were solely the deceased spouses obligations, the surviving spouse would not be liable. However, the decedent's estate would be liable. Any debts would be paid out of the decedent's estate prior to distribution of the assets to any beneficiaries of the will. If the debts exceed the estate's assets, the estate will pay out what it can, the rest of the debt is cancelled and there would be no distribution as there are no remaining assets.