Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New Jersey

Financial and Legal Responsibility of Heir in Estate of Minimal or No Value

What are the financial and legal responsibilities of an heir to an "estate" of no value? Decadent is a 23 year old with no children or spouse. Decadent did not leave a will. Mother is next of kin. Decadent was in debt for $9,000.00 and possessed only personal belongings-nothing of value over $100.00 No car or real estate. Mother has sent all creditors copies of Death Certificate. What, if any, additional steps should she take to ensure compliance with any state laws?


Asked on 11/19/99, 2:31 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Walter LeVine Walter D. LeVine, Esq.

Re: Financial and Legal Responsibility of Heir in Estate of Minimal or No Value

There is no financial responsibility of an "heir" to a deficit estate, unless they actually take whatever assets there were in the decedent's name. I would suggest no further action by the mother other than what she did - mail the death certificate. If anyone raises a question, she can indicate by letter that there are no assets, no probate, etc.

Walter

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Answered on 1/10/00, 9:28 am


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