Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Texas
When a person dies without a will and he has unpaid bills who is responsible for paying those bills?
Asked on 11/22/10, 7:17 am
1 Answer from Attorneys
The answer depends on the kinds of bills they are. For example, if the bills are secured (such as a home mortgage, or a car note) then the recipient of the asset would be responsible, in most cases. If no one receives the asset, then the item may be repossessed by the creditor. If there are debts with guarantors or co-borrowers, then the surviving debtor may be responsible for the entire debt. Finally, if there are liens or other debts, then the debts would be paid out of estate assets, to the extent that they are available. This is a highly oversimplified overview of the process.
Answered on 11/27/10, 10:01 am