need advice handling deceases mother's business

What is the name of your state? TX

Hello. My mother recently passed away and there are several debts owed including credit cards(sears/JcPenny) and tons of medical bills. I know that the estate and not the family members is responsible for the costs. She had one house that she owned jointly with my uncle. Here are my questions:

1)Is it very likely that the credit card companies will simply write the amounts off? If not, how to get them to settle for as little as possible?

2)What is the best way to handle the various medical bills or possible get them written off? Do the medical creditors come after property like a credit card company would?

3)How can I protect my mother's house and how long does it take for companies to come after it?

4)My sister is about to get her insurance check from the death. She has a joint bank account with our mother. If she cashes the check and deposits it into the account, can creditors come after this money? Will simply having her name removed from the account take care of that worry?

I guess overall, I really want to know how to get out of paying for these debts and medical bill owed. Any good legal ways to get these debts erased or greatly reduced will be appreciated.

1)Is it very likely that the credit card companies will simply write the amounts off? If not, how to get them to settle for as little as possible?

MY RESPONSE: Doubtful. If there is enough money in the estate once all assets have been sold, then they will have to be paid.

2)What is the best way to handle the various medical bills or possible get them written off?

See above.

Do the medical creditors come after property like a credit card company would?

See above

3)How can I protect my mother's house and how long does it take for companies to come after it?

My RESPONSE: You can't. Mom's house (or her portion therof) is an asset of the estate and must be sold to satisfy the outstanding debt.

4)My sister is about to get her insurance check from the death. She has a joint bank account with our mother. If she cashes the check and deposits it into the account, can creditors come after this money?

Yes and no. Any money in the joint account can be attached and then your sister would be in a world of hurt to prove what was mom's and what was her.

Have sis open a new account with only her on it. It will take longer to verify funds from the insurance check (about 3 or 4 days) but well worth it.

Will simply having her name removed from the account take care of that worry?

Who's name?