Is an adult child responsible for paying the credit card debt of a deceased parent who died without a will if they are a joint owner of the home in Michigan?

Answer 1

The "estate" is responsible for the financial obligations of the deceased, meaning that a life insurance policy is to be cashed in and/or anything that he/she owns is to be sold and the proceeds of the sale are to be used to pay his/her obligations. If his/her life insurance policy will cover all obligations, you won't need to sell any of his/her estate, otherwise, everyone expects to be paid. That is often the reason probate takes so long and people seem to believe that they never get what they diserve if/when someone dies without a will. Even WITH a will, there must be provision to pay for outstanding debt. You could only be responsible for credit card debt if you were a joint holder on the accounts. If they were his alone or anyone else named on the account was an authorized user only, they would not assume the debt.

Answer 2

The home could be in jeopardy for creditor action depending upon how the deed is worded and the laws of the state in which the property is located. It would be prudent to discuss the possibility of the mother removing her name from the property deed with a qualified attorney before creditors decide to take action. Other than the possibility of joint property seizure or attachment by creditors surviving family members would not be responsible for repayment of the debt.

Answer 3

NO. It is not legally required for children to pay off any bill from there deceased parents as long as the bills were in their parents name, 100%.