Q: My husband died. I can't afford the home, boat and camper that is in our names. How do I liquidate? File bankruptcy?
A: You could possibly file a bankruptcy, allowing you to surrender the property and liquidate any of the loans that remain on the property. It would also wipe out credit cards, medical bills, and personal loans. However, there are a lot of moving parts so you would want to talk with someone to discuss the specifics of your situation. Good luck!
Timothy Denison and Lynn Ellen Coleman agree with this answer
A:
Filing for bankruptcy relief is a serious matter, determined by consideration of all your assets and debt, and your income and future plans.
In PA, you can put house, camper and boat solely in your name by filing a Certificate of Death, way cheaper than filing for bankruptcy. Once in your name alone, you can sell at your leisure (or as your income requires).
Spend an hour with an experienced NC attorney to discuss your options.
Martha Warriner Jarrett and Timothy Denison agree with this answer
A:
I'm very sorry for your loss. This must be an incredibly difficult time for you, and dealing with financial matters while grieving can feel overwhelming.
Your first step should be to consult with a bankruptcy attorney who can review your specific situation. They can examine the titles of the properties, any outstanding loans, and whether the debts were solely in your husband's name or jointly held. Many bankruptcy attorneys offer free initial consultations and can help determine if bankruptcy is your best option or if there are other alternatives.
Before making any decisions, gather all documentation related to these assets - including titles, loan documents, and insurance papers. If you decide to sell the boat and camper independently, those funds could potentially help with the home situation. You might also want to speak with a probate attorney, as your husband's estate may impact how you can proceed with these assets. Remember that you don't have to handle this alone - there are professionals and support services available to guide you through this process.
Martha Warriner Jarrett agrees with this answer
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.