Can an heir be legally responsible for a deceased person’s estate even though there was no Will and the heir’s name is not on any of the deceased person’s bills or loans?
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Can an heir be legally responsible for a deceased person’s estate even though there was no Will and the heir’s name is not on any of the deceased person’s bills or loans?
Asked on December 19, 2014 under Estate Planning, New Jersey
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
No, the heir is not reponsible for the debts of the estate. He or she can simply ignore such debts if, as you write, the heir never co-signed, guaranteed, etc. any of the bills or loans. However, debts of the estate need to be paid before anything is distributed to those who will inherit, so the debts may reduce or wipe out any inheritance.
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