My finance passed away 3 months ago, do I have to pay a bill that has already gone to collections?
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My finance passed away 3 months ago, do I have to pay a bill that has already gone to collections?
The estate has paid all his bills so far, but the daughter personal representative
wants me to pay this bill as she is getting the calls from the debt collector. It is
for a washer/dryer that was purchased by my fianc about 9 months ago and it
is in the condo that we shared. I still live here Florida.
Asked on April 17, 2017 under Estate Planning, Florida
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
You don't have to pay unless you also bought the item; if it was bought solely by him, it is his debt only (and therefore, now a debt of his estate): being a fiance does not, by itself, make you liable for his debts. However, the estate (e.g. the daughter, if she is the executor or personal representative) could choose to not pay and allow the appliances to be repossessed: they are not obligated to pay for them so you can keep/use them, but can make the best economic decision for the estate or heirs, which may be to default and allow repossesson.
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