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My ex mil did not appoint an executor. I said I would do what I could to distribute death certificates and inform those that needed to be informed. There was no estate, but there were cc bills and a few others. I sent out the death certs and let people know there was no estate. A couple of the creditors were a bit pushy. I simply wrote back that there was no executor and that I had no authority in the situation, and was just being helpful distributing death certs and information re the deceased. Eventually they stopped contacting me.
My dads ex wife uses my number for her creditors and I block their numbers after the 1st call.
But if it's just your standard "too much time in front of the shopping channels with a credit card" issue I don't think they'd get too far with their claim.
Did your daughter say any more about the situation, though?
Also, Google these websites for information about the state laws in which your parent died:
https://info.legalzoom.com/happens-someone-dies
https://law.freeadvice.com/estate_planning/probate/is_no_will.htm
https://www.livingtrustnetwork.com/estate-planning-center/applicable-state-laws/intestate-succession/
You may need to hire an attorney if state laws require one. Legal Aid offers affordable legal assistance.
Sorry that you are having to deal with this. Hope that this information is helpful.
Here in Probate its Executor, Administrator if no Executor assigned in a will and an affidavid if person has under 20k. Call Probate and see if there is a short certificate you can get to handle LOs accounts.
I know its an expense, but I am finding that a lawyer makes everything easier.
for this. The OP says there was only enough money for a burial so why would they waste their own money on a lawyer? The debt collecters would also have to know that she is their daughter and they would have to have her personal contact info in order to contact her. Our estate attorney advised us NOT to pay MILs outstanding credit card because the debt collects usually write it off. There has been absolutely no harassment from anyone nor should they be because again, they would have to know her survivors contact info.
Like signed an admissions contract for a NH or in the ER or at the hospital.
is there a home? if so whose names on utilities, taxes, insurance, etc?
Any credit cards, again if so in whose name(s)?
did they die with assets?
Or died with only debt?
is there a valid will? Is whomever named Executor in the will interested to become Executor?
Really whats the backstory? It will be helpful as to what might need to be done and what you literally can just walk away from.....