How do you find out who someone owes money to after they have died?

Question

I'm sure some furniture was bought on credit but I do not know from where or who to pay. How do I find out and do I have to pay for the furniture or do I give it back?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, there is no delicate way to handle the finances of a loved one that passes. I know most people would feel uncomfortable in digging through the paperwork of a loved one, but that's what you need to do. Perhaps old canceled checks from the couple of months proceeding your loved ones passing would shed some light, contact their bank about those. If they had a desk that they normally paid bills from, check all the paperwork you can find. Continue to accept the mail for the decedent. If they owe money to someone, they'll get in touch before missing too many payments. As far as the furniture, the place that sold the furniture has a legitimate claim against the estate but they would probably work something out with you, talk to the manager of the store and explain your situation. Best of luck and condolences on your loss.

Answer 2

If there is an estate or property, the bills get paid through that. If not, do not stress it! Do not let any debt collector try to collect money from you!! They can write off the amount owed as a loss on their taxes. If stuff needs returned, and they will take it, then do so. My dad died a desolate man, and I had bill collectors try to tell me that it was my responsibility, luckily, someone told me about the tax write off. You may have to send letters to some reporting the death, or simply don't open the mail, write "deceased" on it and return it.

Hope this helps!

Answer 3

If the person has an estate, one of the duties of the executor is to find out any creditors. They are required to send out notices to all known creditors, and to post a public notice in a newspaper in general circulation in the county the person lived in. If no one posts a claim within a certain period, they waive their claim on the estate.

Answer 4

The estate should go into probate, It give people that were owed money time to come forward and make a claim against the estate.

Answer 5

If there was a Last Will and Testament, debts will be itemized and paid from the estate. Otherwise, nobody else is responsible for the decedent's bills.

Answer 6

look for credit card bills, wait for the phone calls, get their credit report, etc etc etc.

small companies will make sure to contact you the minute a payment is missed. large companies immediately seek to damage your credit rating. everyone will be sending letters.

Answer 7

Your run an announcemnt in the local paper classifieds. Any creditors should answer.