When a person with a life estate dies you must record a death certificate in the land records and request that it be referenced to the deed that created the life estate.
In the US when a person dies with no living next of kin their property escheats to the state.
The government.
Generally, the probate of the first estate would need to be completed. If the next of kin who died is the only heir and was living when the first person died then that person's estate would need to be probated.
Estate tax is levied when a person dies
Essentially, yes, the estate has to settle all debts. That includes the sale of assets.
When a life tenant dies the life estate is extinguished. A death certificate should be recorded in the land records.
The estate of the person who dies is responsible for paying off the debt.
A power of attorney only represents a living person. After their death, the sons will have to have the court appoint an executor for the estate.
A power of attorney grants the authority to act on the behalf of a living person. Once the principal dies the power of attorney is extinguished and some qualified person must petition the probate court for appointment as the personal representative of the estate.
YOU SUE THE ESTATE
A Power of Attorney is extinguished when the principal dies. It's purpose is for assistance while a person is living. When the principal dies their estate must be probated. Their property will be distributed according to the provisions in their will or by the laws of intestacy if they have no will. You can check the laws of intestacy for your state at the related question link provided below.
It will come from the deceased person's estate.