Cherokee County, TX Estate Planning Law Firms & Lawyers

Whether your mother, yourself, or your siblings become liable for the debt depends on a number of factors. Did your father accrue this debt in his name alone? Is the debt part of a business that your family operates or is part of? Is the debt due to a gambling problem or some other problem? Does it have some connection with his illness? Did he secure the debt with property he jointly owned with any of you? In a normal situation, the estate alone is responsible for the decendant's debts. However, in some situations, others may also be held responsible. Check with an estate attorney for specific answers.

Under California law your attorney will advise you of your duties as the administrator of the estate and will furnish you with a document entitled Duties and Liabilities of Personal Representative which list your duties.

Commonly related administrators serve without remuneration, and are selected out of the heir or beneficiary group. The duties should be explained to you by an attorney, who generally you would be allowed to hire as the fiduciary and pay out if the Estate/Trust. Additionally fees, both for a paid administrator and the professions hired are subject to the approval of the Court. They are generally based on time, services and expensed incurred, not a percentage.