RESPONSIBLITY FOR PARENTAL DEBT

Can I be held responsible for the debts my mother had before she died?

Mother's debts are chargeable to her estate. Taxes, wages, liens and other legitimate outstanding bills can be brought against the estate.

Unless there is an encumbering connection between any beneficiary and a claimant (for example: co-signer on mom's loan), daughters or other inheritors need have little concern.

Thumb rule: Children are not legally responsible for the debts of their parents. Morally, inheritors can resolve obligations known to exist sans contract. That is more a matter conscience than of law.

Everybody's Uncle