I would think if there was a justifiable reason to obtain it. They could certainly justify obtaining a credit rating to determine what possible creditors are out there that need to be satisfied. One possible reason to get it is to use it in valuation of items purchased that are now part of the estate.
The credit cards are no longer valid on the death of the individual. Using them would be fraudulent.
They follow the instructions of the deceased has laid out in their will.
The executor of the estate.
Certainly. Anyone can be named an executor of an estate, whether related to the deceased or not.
The estate (whatever the deceased left behind) or a co signer on the card. The person in charge of the estate (executor) does NOT pay for any of the estate's debts out his/her pocket.
The executor now controlling the estate has to do the transfer but if they had an executor, there is probably also a will, attorney, and a beneficiary (ies)
Make sure the executor of the estate is aware of the debts. Those debts have to be resolved before there can be distribution of the estate.
The executor of the estate is able to sell assets of the estate.
If there is a will, the executor makes all mortgage payments from the estate of the deceased.
The executor of the estate files the tax return for the deceased.
No. Credit reporting bureaus will not allow access to the report without an order from the probate court. Such an order is usually only granted to the named or appointed executor or executrix of the deceased's estate.
The court will look at the Will to determine if an alternate executor is named. If not, then the state probably has a list of people, in order, who should be named as administrator of the estate. Relationship to the deceased executor is irrelevant.
The important step is to open an estate. The executor of the estate will deal with the debts and assets. If the debts are joint responsibility, they won't go away.