Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Washington

Financial Liability

If a relative dies, are the surviving relatives responsible for that individual's financial bills/obligations/burial?


Asked on 7/29/02, 10:27 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Lori Wheat Lori L. Wheat, Attorney at Law

Re: Financial Liability

When a relative dies, the surviving relatives are normally not responsible for financial bills, obligations, or burial. The deceased's assets ("estate") typically funds the deceased's bills, obligations, and burial.

However, if a person contractually obligates himself or herself to be liable for the deceased's bills, obligations, or burial, then that person is responsible. A common example is a cosigner of a debt, such as a cosigner on a home or automobile loan.

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Answered on 8/01/02, 2:56 pm
Tom Turnbull tomturnbull.com

Re: Financial Liability

Typically, the estate is responsible.

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Answered on 7/30/02, 8:37 pm


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