Q: My friend died. Can her siblings just give me all of her possessions?
She was estranged from her siblings. They don't want to deal with any of the things that need to happen after someone dies. They've told me I can have her possessions; I know she does not have anything of much value. Is there a way that I can take over here final affairs from the siblings? Will that end up making me liable for any debt she might have?
A:
It is difficult to answer your question without knowing exactly what comprises your friend’s estate. But, yes, it is possible for you to be appointed by the court to handle the distribution of her estate. That will probably require the siblings to sign consents. Also, understand that you will probably be distributing your friends estate to your friend’s siblings, not to yourself, unless your friend left a will leaving everything to you.
I am assuming that both of your friend’s parents are deceased. If they are alive, or if only one of them is alive, then the parent or parents will most likely be the ones inheriting.
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