What happens to your bills after you die?

Question

What happens to your bills after you die?

Answer 1

Your estate is responsible for the debts. The estate has to pay off all debts before anything can be paid off to heirs.

Answer 2

Anything you would leave as an inheritance would be sold, so that the creditors can be paid first.

If you own more than you owe, then some of the stuff is sold, and the kids inherit the rest.

If you owe more than you owe, then all of your stuff is sold, the money is given to the creditors, and the rest of the debt dies with you.  

The kids won't inherit anything, but they DO NOT inherit the debt.

Of course, that won't stop a collection agent from trying to put them on a guilt trip....

Answer 3

I think I would no longer be worrying about bills if I were dead.

:P

ok, further answer.

The debt is transfered to the estate. Any debt could be attached to the assets of the estate. If no net assets, the bill collectors lose out. They will try and go after the family of the estate, but the family is not obligated to pay.

Who is obligated is a legal spouse of marriage. The bills are community property (community liability) and that spouse would be sought to pay the bills of the deceased spouse.