My mother just passed away (Nov. 19th) and I had discovered that she had some credit card debt. A while back, she had the deed to her house put in my name. She passed away with about $25 dollars in her bank account. Do I notify them about her passing or send a copy of the death certificate (which I just received). There was a will and my brother (deceased) was the executor of the will, but that was never changed. Do I send the creditors a letter letting them know? Do I send them a copy of the death certificate? Can the creditors come after me regarding her debt? I could use some advice.
Thank you,
BKW confused daughter
When my dad was in the nursing home I had been in touch with his creditors. They knew he was in a nursing home so I had had prior contact with his creditors before he died. When my dad died I called his creditors. They all inquired about "the estate" and I had to explain to them that my dad died on Medicaid in a nursing home and that there was no estate.
A couple of his creditors requested a death certificate so I sent them a copy, the others just thanked me for calling and closed out the account. It was all pretty straightforward.
If they ask, you should send them a copy of the Death Certificate, but I wouldn't volunteer it as they are costly. And, if you do send a copy, again send it certified.