Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Maine

Re: Debts of deceased mother

Normally, no one is automatically liable for the debts of another. A parent is responsible for supporting his or her child; a child may, rarely, be responsible for supporting an indigent parent.

However, when your mother died, her estate was required to pay off all her debts before any of her property was distributed to her heirs. Therefore, if you are her executor, or if you inherited property, you could be responsible to the extent that you received her property.

If the amount is significant, you should seek legal counsel. No lawyer can properly advice you over the internet. If you cannot afford a lawyer, try your Legal Aid Society. Many bar associations also have a panel of lawyers willing to work at reduced fees.

Good luck!

Susan Freiman

The Legal Clinic

P.O. Box 9407, Herzlia Street 29