Q: My mother owed me a large sum of money and was struggling with addiction just before her death.
My mother owed me a large sum of money and was struggling with addiction just before her death. Knowing she wasn't capable of keeping up on her newly acquired home which was bought and paid for in full at about 14kThen about 2 months later she passed away due to an overdose. My sister paid for her funeral... my moms car had a lien on it thru a local dealership and was taken back due to a small balance left on it. Ive been living in the house she gave me since last June. Now I have received papers to go to probate court and I am being giving the chance to become her Administrator. which as I read makes me responsible for any and all debts and pending legal suits she had goin on... Should I do this ? I can not afford to take on all of that because ive invested so much into the house. Im living on 8 dollars and hour working 49 hrs a week. To keep the house what is my best course of action. Not sure if this matters but I am in Ohio.
A:
You need to talk with a local attorney.
SO many unanswered questions. You received paperwork FROM WHOM?
What makes you think YOU PERSONALLY will be responsible for a debt you didn't sign for? You won't.
What makes you think you have to go to probate? If the house was 'given to you' properly, it is YOUR house, and shouldn't need probate.
WAY too many unanswered questions. Seek local legal representation!
--This answer is provided for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney - client relationship. If you need legal advice you should consult with a local attorney. I am licensed to practice in Michigan only.
A: What do you mean she "gave" you the house? Do you do all the paper work that goes with transferring title in real property or did she just say the house is yours? When did she give it to you? What other debts does she have? If you become the administrator you are responsible in the sense that you will use money and property in the estate to settle her affairs. This doesn't mean your own money is at risk. The house may be, especially if it was transferred improperly or very soon before her death.
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