estate debtwhen someone dies, are the beneficiaries responsible for the debt left behind

Question

estate debt

when someone dies, are the beneficiaries responsible for the debt left behind

Answer

Re: estate debt

When a person dies, their estate is liable for the debts, but the heirs and persons named in the will are not personally liable (unless they were otherwise personally liable for it, e.g. cosigner on loan or husband or wife on a community debt).

Answer

Re: estate debt

There can be issues when the estate is not solvent. But Mr. Steuart is correct that no one can be held responsible for the debts of a decedent absent an agreement or responsibility stemming from some other theory.

The credit card companies would have you believe otherwise.

Call if you need more help.

Elizabeth Powell