Lynchburg, VA asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Energy, Oil and Gas and Probate for Texas

Q: My father passed away intestate (no will), he owned his home, am I responsible for paying his utility bills?

Are his children responsible for paying the light, water, and gas bill? We plan to sell the home once cleaned, but no one is living in the home since his passing.

2 Lawyer Answers
Terry Lynn Garrett
PREMIUM
Terry Lynn Garrett
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Austin, TX
  • Licensed in Texas

A: After the Court appoints an administrator, giving that person authority over your father's property, that person is responsible for maintaining the estate.

Meanwhile, you and your siblings may want to keep the utilities on in order to maintain the property in good shape. That should bring a better sales price.

1 user found this answer helpful

Tammy L. Wincott
Tammy L. Wincott
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • San Antonio, TX
  • Licensed in Texas

A: If you're not the administrator of the estate, then no you are not responsible. It's usually best to leave the utilities on for a number of reasons, i.e. makes house easier to show, let's people think there may be someone living there, etc.

1 user found this answer helpful

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