My dad left no will and there is allot of debt and possible law suits, who will be...

J.P.

New member
...responsible? Ok this is a very complicated situation. My father killed himself in a horrible house explosion, there was literally nothing left; but several houses were damaged as a result. My step mom is alive, but terminally ill. Together they owed allot on credit cards and a bit on the house. There was no will, I don't think insurance will cover anything because it was suicide and Im wondering who will be responsible for everything. Or what should the next steps for me to take in this case. If anyone has any advise it would be greatly appreciated.
 
Nobody is going to be liable for anything. Your father's estate can be sued, but since it contained no assets, there's nothing to collect. Anything your stepmother is responsible for will also become noncollectable upon her death as there's nothing there.

If any bills or summons arrive simply send back a copy of the death certificate and a letter stating that the estate contained no assets.
 
this is one of those sad situations where no one
is going to pick up the bill
step mom could be liable for anything she co-signed
but it is unlikely they would pursue it
due to her medical condition
certainly you are not liable for anything
step mother has medicade or medicare depending
on her age to fall back on, also you should check out
local Hospice care for her
medicare pays for hospice, not sure about medicade
 
Hi,

As far as the credit cards go.once your step mother passes, all you have to do is send the death certificate for both your parents to the credit card companies. They cannot hold you accountable for your parents credit card debits. If they try to, just send a letter of complaint to the attorney generals office in your state.

Next, since your dad killed himself, no the insurance company will not pay for the house being destroyed. If there is still a mortgage due on the house, the bank will probably foreclose on the property and sell it.

As far as lawsuits, they cannot hold you responsible for any damages done if your name is not on the deed and since he did not leave a will.

You should get advice from an attorney, just to be safe.

Good luck
 
The Code specifies the law of intestate succession. This legal jargon simply means that your loved one died "intestate," or without a Last Will and Testament, and that the laws of "succession," meaning the legal heirs of the deceased, will be determined by a probate court and the estate will be distributed to those heirs.
 
His estate, and ONLY his estate is liable. That means ANYTHING he owned at the time of his death. If there were any joint assets, his share of those assets may have to be liquidated (sold to cover debts). NO ONE inherits ANYTHING until the debts are paid. If he did not own enough to pay the debts, the courts get to decide how to split whatever he had among his creditors. NO ONE inherits debt in the US. SOMEONE should hire an estate attorney NOW.
 
The "estate", which probably belongs to your stepmother. In most states you have to file probate. Contact the courthouse in the county in which he resided at the time of his death and ask them if you must file probate and how to do it.
 
If you are wondering if you are liable, the answer is no. His wife is. But to ease your mind you should talk to a lawyer.
 
Currently I Would Say your Step Mother is Still Responsible Unless
Someone Has Taken A Power Of Attorney over her...If She Remains
Liable at Present You and Any Other Offspring May Be Held Jointly And Severally Liable In The Event Of Her Death.. I Would Suggest that you have A Provisional Chat with a Lawyer as Soon as Possible &
You May be Told to File For Bankruptcy to avoid The Horrendous Bills!
When the Time Comes. However If you Have Substancial Funds You May Find It Better To Cut a deal with The Collective Creditors if it turns out in the End to Be Your Problem... However it Goes Good Luck !
 
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