Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Washington
wanting siblings to pay on a debt of deceased sibling with no estate or will
The surviving siblings of a deceased sibling are being asked by a creditor to pay the balance of an outstanding debt after item was auctioned, are the surviving siblings obligated to pay this debt even tho the deceased had no home and only a vehicle as an asset? They have sent several letters to us, even offering to forgive 30% of debt if paid in 10 days what do we do?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: wanting siblings to pay on a debt of deceased sibling with no estate or will
You really need to go talk to a lawyer versed in estate and probate matters. You can find one for a nominal cost through your county's Bar Association (in the phone book).
If there is no will, then there may be a basis to file for an ajudication of intestacy. If the deceased left an estate that should have been subject to probate, there is a judicial mechanism to do that. Please go ask.
Next, I'd point out that there is absolutely NO obligation on the part of any siblings to pay the debts of a deceased sibling. NONE.
Third, a properly filed creditor's claim is subject to ajudication - and there is no basis in law for a creditor to demand payment within 10 days.
Please spend the $25.00 to secure 1/2 hour of a local attorney's time. I just don't have enough information to provide you with actual advice, just a few helpful points. Hope it helps.