Home / When someone dies / Questions
Am I responsible for my parent’s debts?
Short answer
Usually not. Debts are paid from the estate (what the person left behind). You may owe if you co-signed, shared the account, or live in a state with special rules, so be careful with collectors who pressure you.
See every step in 1 minuteFirst steps when someone dies
People also ask
Official sources
- Social Security Administrationssa.gov
- FTC consumer advice: debts and deceased relativesconsumer.ftc.gov