I am my Mom's only family, and she had a question as to when she dies, do all of her old bills go to me since i am her family or do old credit card, hospital bills and back rent just go away? She thinks they just go away, I dissagree. Anyone know for sure?
2006-10-18 10:16:21 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Other - Health
If you are her heir, you inherit assets AND debt. If she has more bills than money to leave you, you might need to have the estate declared bankrupt after she has passed. It may be the only way to stop bill collectors from coming after you to pay her bills.
Call your local community college or a law school near by, or do an internet search for free legal advice and ask them the same question but tell them which state you are in. Rules about estates are diffferent depending on where you live.
2006-10-18 10:25:58 · answer #1 · answered by Mimi Di 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you live with her, you could be responsible for rent and utility bills, but credit cards, hospital bills etc do go away. You will need to obtain multiple copies of the death certificate and just send a copy along with a statement to the creditor. You are not responsible for her debts. However, if she leaves any measurable wealth behind, then that money has to go to the creditors before you get any, if she hasn't a will, then the courts will do this.
2006-10-18 10:20:18 · answer #2 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
unfortunately, you will be stuck with the bill. if she has life insurance, that $$ will go to paying off hospital bills, and if she owns a house it will go on the market which gives you some money to pay off any extra bills. if she lives in an apartment, the contract is cancelled and then you don't have to worry about it. you will also be responcible for paying off her credit card bills.
just because someone passes away doesn't mean companies don't still want the money they were owed...they aren't that nice :)
2006-10-18 10:27:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all goes into the estate. The state adds up the the money against the bills and what is leftover would be yours (or whomever she leaves it to.) You do need to let these people know when she dies so they can stop charging her interest. But yes, you do have to pay off any remaining bills.
2006-10-18 10:19:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any outstanding bills must be paid out of her estate. This is usually done by the executor of the will.
If the amount of bills exceed her estate money... you, as the next of kin, do not assume responsibility for these. At that point they will simply go away.
Some of the creditors may try to force you into paying... at that time, I would be telling them, they can talk to my lawyer.
2006-10-18 10:25:42 · answer #5 · answered by j H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm no expert but i think the next of kin is responsible for the bills. when my stepdad passed away last year my mom was responsible for his credit card bills. she is still paying on them.
2006-10-18 10:19:28 · answer #6 · answered by Boop 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
most places will make you pay. some only part of the bills if you show death cert.
2006-10-18 10:21:23 · answer #7 · answered by cowboy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you will get the bills inless she has insurance that covers them
2006-10-18 10:24:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They will try to make you pay but you can fight it.
2006-10-18 10:25:11 · answer #9 · answered by renee 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is your responsibility!
2006-10-18 10:25:58 · answer #10 · answered by Jesabel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋