Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Wisconsin

Debts of Deceased

My mother passed away in November, leaving virtually no assets except a small life insurance policy and some money in a checking account. She also had a car on which she owned a substantial sum. She has been widowed since 1986, and had been living in HUD housing. She has a rather large credit card debt. I was told no probate was necessary due to the small size of her estate. What is the best way to notify creditors of this fact - that she is deceased and that there is nothing with which to pay off her debt? Thank you!


Asked on 11/24/03, 10:48 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Mark Mahoney Cassiani Law Office, Wise Shepherd Law Office

Re: Debts of Deceased

Hello,

I know of nothing better than to do a form letter and have it ready as the mail comes in.

Some big corporations wont even make note of the change after you have notified you, and may continue to send bills. Eventually they will stop. If there is no estate and no assets, there is nothing for them to collect and no concern for you. If the life insurance is payable to a person, and not the estate, they cant get at that. Best wishes, Mark J. Mahoney

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Answered on 11/26/03, 9:01 am


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