Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California
When someone passes away who is responsible for their unpaid debts?
Asked on 8/10/10, 9:46 am
1 Answer from Attorneys
No one is personally responsible unless they take money or property of the decedent before the debts are paid. Otherwise it is the duty of the administrator of the estate to marshall the assets of the decedent, pay the debts out of the assets of the estate, and then if there is anything left, distribute it to the heirs according to will, if there is one, or intestate succession law if not.
Answered on 8/15/10, 10:02 am