Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in New Jersey

I LIVE IN NEW JERSEY AND I WAS MARRIED , BUT WE SEPARATED ABOUT 28 YEARS AGO AND HAVENT LIVED TOGETHER IN THOSE YEARS AND NEVER GOT DIVORCED, HE RECENTLY PASSED AWAY AND DIDNT LEAVE A WILL, WHAT HAPPENS IF I BECOME SURROGATE OF HIS ESTATE? HE HAD LESS THAN 10,000 IN ASSETS, LEFT A TRAILER BEHIND THATS IN BAD SHAPE AND AN OLD TRUCK. WOULD I be responsible for that trailers lot rent or for getting rid of it, or any bills, none of which is any of my name.


Asked on 6/07/16, 6:48 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

You do not have to apply to become the Personal Representative of your late husband's estate, and you will not be liable for his personal debts. If you receive any of his bills, you should consult with an estates lawyer in your area.

THIS RESPONSE IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE, SINCE I DO NOT HAVE ALL OF THE INFORMATION THAT WOULD BE REQUIRED, AND I DO NOT HAVE A REPRESENTATION AGREEMENT WITH YOU.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.

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Answered on 6/08/16, 9:12 am


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