Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania
Fathers death and credit card bills
My father, whom I have not spoken to nor seen for the last two years lived with my cousin who had power of attorney for him. I was informed that he died 4/28/07. In June 2007 I started receiving credit card bills in my fathers name at my address. The cards had been maxed out. Am I responsible for these bills? I received no monies from my father at the time of his death. I was not his insurance beneficiary. So far the credit cards total about $28,000.00
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Fathers death and credit card bills
Based on the facts provided, it's unlikely that you would be responsible for your deceased father's credit card bills. These would be debts of his estate, and his executor should be paying them (or filing an estate insolvency proceeding).
Re: Fathers death and credit card bills
In Pennsylvania the law is similar to New Jersey so you don't have to pay the bills.
It does sound like the cousin in his role as agent (A POA is a document that made him your fathers agent) is has violated his fiduciary duty to his principal (your father).
Why should you care? First its a sign that your father may have been bleed dry by your cousin. Further even though you never talked to your father for years if he died without a will you would be one of his heirs at law. So if the cousin was required to pay restitution than it would go to the estate and possibly to you.
If you have any questions feel free to contact me the initial consultation is free.
{John}
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