Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Illinois

The parent's estate is liable for the parent's debt. The credit card company can file a claim against the estate. The child(ren) should contact a probate attorney to discuss the options.

The debt belongs to the parent. The heirs or those otherwise inheriting are not responsible to pay the bill from their own pockets, but anything they stand to inherit is subject to the payment of claims. Assuming the parent was the only one on title to the house, it would be part of the estate and may be subject to satisfaction of the debt if there are no other funds in the estate from which expenses and claims can be satisfied. Get the advice of a probate attorney in the area in which the parent lived.