Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Washington
Financial Liability
If a relative dies, are the surviving relatives responsible for that individual's financial bills/obligations/burial?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Financial Liability
When a relative dies, the surviving relatives are normally not responsible for financial bills, obligations, or burial. The deceased's assets ("estate") typically funds the deceased's bills, obligations, and burial.
However, if a person contractually obligates himself or herself to be liable for the deceased's bills, obligations, or burial, then that person is responsible. A common example is a cosigner of a debt, such as a cosigner on a home or automobile loan.
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Re: Financial Liability
Typically, the estate is responsible.