What to do if my husband’s sister died and left a great deal of debt but very little in funds?
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What to do if my husband’s sister died and left a great deal of debt but very little in funds?
Is it worth my time to become the administrator to settle this? Will we be responsible for her tax returns at the end of the year?
Asked on November 10, 2012 under Estate Planning, New York
Answers:
Catherine Blackburn / Blackburn Law Firm
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
As a general matter, you may wish to do nothing about your sister-in-law's estate. You and your husband have no obligation to incur the expense of an estate just to close out or satisfy her debts. If one or more of her creditors wishes to claim against her estate, they can open the estate and incur the expense.
You and your husband are not responsible for anything related to his sister, even her tax returns.
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