La Villa, TX Estate Planning Law Firms & Lawyers

In answer to your question as to your duties when you become an administrator, I am assuming you were appointed by a court order, issued letters of administration; at that time you should have had to sign the letters of administration, filed back with the court and were issued a set of instructions duties of an administrator. As to your compensation, the percentage of the value of the estate you are entitled to, which is generally the same the lawyer receives, and both are set forth in the California Probate code.

Your power of attorney has nothing to do with your mother's debts. Debts are generally addressed by the estate of the person who passed away. You may become responsible for debt if you were a co-signer or otherwise responsible for the debt along with the person who dies.  As for credit cards with your husband, that may be considered community debt.  You may write your wishes down, but it would be better to have formal Wills drafted to decrease the problems that could arise with any other type of Will you may draft on your own.