Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Arizona
car lease termination upon death of leasee
If no one else was on the lease, and the vehicle was returned, is there a legal responsibility by the estate, or surviving spouse, to pay the remaining lease?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: car lease termination upon death of leasee
The decedent's estate is responsible for payment of the decedent's debts. If there is money owed on the lease, then the estate must pay the debt before distributing the remaining assets to the beneficiaries. In addition, if the lease was initiated during the marriage, the lease wil probably be considered a community debt, and the leasing company can hold the surviving spouse responsible under Arizona's community property laws.
Re: car lease termination upon death of leasee
If there is money owed to the lease company, that would constitute a claim against the estate of the deceased, and the estate is liable to pay the amount owed, just like any other creditor of the estate.