In California, creditors can attach or sue the estate for unpaid debts. If there is real estate or other assets involved he should have a trust set up. A living trust would include the trust itself, a will, and durable power of attorney. The living trust may offer some protections, at very least it will avoid taxes and probate.

He also needs to grant power of attorney over his bank accounts should he be too ill to manage them. That is done at the branch locally where his account is.

I would get a consult from a bankrupty attorney as soon as possible.

My wife and I are in the same situation. It never ceases to amaze me how heartless these bastards are. They could care less that I could have died last year and spent a whole year almost totally disabled. Capitol 1 has assessed me over $500.00 in late fees on an account that had a $500.00 limit! SHREAD those credit card offers! Bank of America is charging me $32.00 overdraft fees!