When parents die, are the children of the deceased responsible for accurred debts

[Richard Penneau]

Dear Advisor,
Is it a law in our state (Wisconsin) that when a parent dies the children of the deceased bare the responsibility of the deceased debts to include medical bills?
Does this law hold true for brothers and sisters as well?

 

[advisor10]

1-25-2002

DEAR RICHARD:

Whoever told you this was trying to fool you--don't be taken advantage of.

Any medical bills are the responsibility of the ESTATE ONLY--relatives are not responsible under any circumstances, and that is true in any state. If the estate can not afford to pay the bills, they will have to go unpaid and eventually will be written off by the creditor. You could speak to any local attorney about this and they would confirm what I have told you.

SINCERELY,

advisor

 

[TK1469]

I agree with the other responder - in Michigan - the heirs are NOT responsible for the debts of the deceased. Instead it is taken out of the estate - providing enough resources are available to cover them. If not, the creditors have no choice but to write them off.