Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Massachusetts

Re: Death and Outstanding bills

The short answer is, "no."

In general, it is the "estate" of the deceased which bears the financial obligation, assuming that there are enough assets to pay the outstanding bills. There is a pecking order to determine what gets paid first (including certain administrative and funeral expenses, etc.)

After all debts and expenses are paid, only then is money distributed to beneficiaries, whether according to a will or according to the laws of intestacy (without a will).

Of course, if any of the brothers and sisters were co-signors, guarantors, or sureties on a loan, credit card, etcetera, the answer would be different.

Otherwise, you are not your brother's keeper.

Death and Outstanding bills

The estate can still be probated, and the intestacy statute regulates how it gets divided.

The brothers and sisters are no more bound to pay the bills after the death than they were when he lived.

You can contact me at my office for a complimentary consultation if you have any further questions, or need assistance.