When Must I Pay the Death-Debt Collector My Deceased Relative’s Debts?

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According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), you may be liable:

• If you co-signed the obligation, such as a personal loan

• If you live in one of the community property states of Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.Alaskais an opt-in community property state that gives both parties the option to make their property community property.

• If you are the deceased person’s spouse and state law requires you to pay a debt, like some health care expenses. For example, you may have co-signed the agreement to pay hospital bills at the time of admission.

• If you were legally responsible for resolving the estate and didn’t comply with certain state probate laws. This is very unusual.

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If none of these exceptions apply to you, the debt is not yours and you need not pay it. If any of these exceptions apply to you, seek the advice of a lawyer. If you are obligated to pay, please review the bills for accuracy before paying.