Q: My brother died without a will. I am personally responsible for debts?
My divorced brother with 2 minor children lives in PA. My sister and I live in NJ. If we co administer the estate, will we be held responsible for his income tax if there isn't anything to pay with from the estate? He owned nothing and in the past had owed thousands in back taxes. Can creditors or the government come after my personal assets? Anything in the estate will go to his children in trust with ex wife. My sister and I want nothing that's of value.
A: No, you don't have personal responsibilities for an estate's debts. You should make no agreement to pay any debt. If anyone claims you are responsible get all their information, write down what they said as exactly as possible, the date and time. Then just tell them "thank you, I disagree, "and hang up.
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