Can a lawyer collect on a debt of a deceased client if that lawyer had an agreement for payment with that person?
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Can a lawyer collect on a debt of a deceased client if that lawyer had an agreement for payment with that person?
Asked on October 1, 2015 under Estate Planning, Oregon
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
The lawyer can potentially sue the deceased's estate, since debts of the deceased become debts of the estate. The lawyer could possibly collect from estate assets before they are distribured. He cannot collect from the heirs or beneficiaries after distribution, however.
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