Is the surviving spouse liable for a deceased spouse's debt in Tennessee?

The estate is responsible for the deceased spouse's debts. But given that the spouse typically inherits the estate, and often agreements are required to include the spouse, there is a possibility, depending upon the type of debt and the instruments they were created under. I would consult a probate attorney. * A spouse is not responsible for the debts of a deceased spouse unless the debts were jointly incurred during the marriage or in some instances the married couple resided in a community property state at the time of death.