If I am named as the beneficiary on the title to my father’s house and he leaves more credit card debt than the equity in the house, am I obligated to pay his debts?
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If I am named as the beneficiary on the title to my father’s house and he leaves more credit card debt than the equity in the house, am I obligated to pay his debts?
Asked on March 16, 2013 under Estate Planning, California
Answers:
Catherine Blackburn / Blackburn Law Firm
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
You are not obligated to pay your father's credit card debt. I do not practice in California, so I cannot tell you whether the house is defined as an asset of your father's probate estate. You need to consult an estate attorney in your area to find out if the credit card companies can attempt to take the equity in your father's house to pay their debt. In no way, however, are you personally responsible for paying this debt.
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