Debt Responsibility

In most cases the debts of the deceased, including hospital bills, are the responsibility of the estate. The estate, or its beneficiary should reimburse any valid debtors before giving any of the assets away. Consult a probate attorney in your jurisdiction for help.

In most cases the debts of the deceased are the responsibility of the estate. Anyone that was also a co-signer on any of the agreements might also be responsible. Consult a probate attorney in your jurisdiction for help.

The executor should pay the bill. If there isn't enough to pay it, the state may not get their money.

Yes and no. Alabama is not a community property state, so the only way he would owe anything on those bills is if he put himself up as a guarantor over the medical expenses. It is common practice for hospitals to try to get spouses into that position.

Depends on the State, however any deceased persons assess would be drawn down on their assets through probate. This means that if you held joint assets with the spouse; ie., home, banking, investment accounts, then what every value therein is up on the table for the creditors. In those States that have community property laws your at 100% risk of loss, however non-community states your risk is 50%.

If creditors have filed claims against the estate and there is no cash to pay the claims then the real property must be sold to pay the debts. The debts of the decedent must be paid before any property can be distributed to the heirs.

yes you do, but maybe the heirs will forgive the loan that was made.

Yes, you are responsible for the difference in the balance you owed and the amount they sold it for.

i.e.: owed 50,000, they sell it for 30,000; you still owe them 20,000.

The only debt you're liable for - is anything in joint names. Any debt solely in his name died with him.

Yes - if the account is in joint names, and one of the named people dies, the surviving person assumes all liability for the outstanding balance.

No - the surviving spouse is not liable for the deceased person's bills !

Her estate is responsible for all debts. If the estate cannot do so, they distribute as best they can. If the court approves the distribution, the debts are ended.

If the couple was still married at the time of the death then the surviving spouse has a right to a portion of the estate under the state laws of intestacy. You can check the laws in your state at the related question link provided below.

It is certainly legal to do so. The executor must decide on what is appropriate and may charge rent.

That will depend on the separation agreement. Or it will be specified in the divorce agreement.

The estate must repay the loan before assets are inherited. Otherwise, only if they cosigned.

If there is a will the will should name an executor and the estate must be probated. While the "estate" is liable for the bills, it is the executor who is authorized to settle them out and pay them once they have been appointed by the probate court. The debts must be paid before any property can be distributed to the heirs.

No

In most cases the pension will override. It is a private contract that is independent of what the will says.

Most states provide some form of homestead exemption against creditors for your primary residence. However, the amount protected varies by state. The inherited property may be vulnerable to your creditors. Your creditors may seek judgment liens in civil court and may be able to record those liens in the land records thereby preventing a refinance or sale until the liens are paid. You should consult with an attorney, perhaps the attorney who is handling the estate.

The debt will be paid from your estate. If there isn't enough, then the debt is discharged. The debt itself will not pass on to next of kin but a sizable debt might mean none of the deceased's estate does either.

If you own your home at the time of your death it will become part of your estate.

If the title is held jointly with another person the title will pass automatically to that person at the time of your death and the home will not become part of your estate.

That is typically one of the contingencies that mortgage insurance will pay. The other tends to be when someone loses their job.

yes.

You are required to contact all of the debtors by letter. Advertising in the paper for three months (weeks?) is also required. A full accounting has to be presented to the court as well.