If my dad dies am i responsible for his debt? ?

Question

I am the only family member left. I haven't spoken to my dad in years, found out he is on his death bed. He's in a large amount of debt, no assests or insurance. Will I be responsible to pay his bills?

Answer 1

i think so, or its something else

Answer 2

Well thats a tough one but no you would not have to.

Answer 3

Children are not legally or ethically liable for there parent's debt, but the debt collectors will try to make you think you are entitled to. The only exception is if you cosigned a loan or credit card with them. if the parents leave an estate, creditors can attach that.

Debts of a dead spouse are a complex matter and laws vary depending on the state.

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com

Answer 4

If you are so worried go and talk to him.It can't hurt it might heal.

Answer 5

No.  I use to do probate at work.  You cannot be held liable unless you signed paperwork (i.e co-sign loan or anything that says you accept financial responsibility) However, if there is an estate and you have legal rights to it, it will have to go through probate and any assets can then be used to pay off his debt. Thus limiting the amount of the estate assets you can receive, if there are any.  A good probate attorney can negotiate down these debts.  

However companies can legally send you bills addressed "To the Estate of____" if there are no assests and nothing to send to probate you just have to send a letter to the company with a copy of the death certificate saying "deceased no estate" and request that they stop contacting you.  If they do not then it is harrasment and illegal.  If there is a probate, once probate is filed then the are no longer allowed to contact you they have to send everything to probate court or the probate attorney.

Hope that helps.

Answer 6

No

Answer 7

No, that will be the responsibility of his estate.

Answer 8

The person designated to execute the will ( if there is a will ) is responsible for outstanding debt. If there is no one chosen to carry out the last wishes of the estate, I don't believe you can be held liable. You should ask a professional in the state you live in. They will be able to answer your questions as they have the up to date laws.

Answer 9

The bills will be owed by his estate.  If he owns a home it will be sold to satisfy his debt.  You don't have to pay his bills unless you were a co-signer.  When my grandma died she had bills and the credit card companies tried to collect from my mom, but she was not obligated to pay.  My grandma had no assets when she died, she was in a nursing home.