BiL incapcitated - what to do about debt collectors?

libbyc3

long one sorry.
my brother in law has overdosed on drink and drugs and his life support machine has been switched off. My OH and his mum are currently at the bedside waiting for nature to take its course.
However, on charging his mobile to contact friends, there is loads of messages from debt collection companies threatening baliffs. they wont deal with my OH despite him sending a letter from the hospital.we don't know how much or to whom he owes anything but at a guess his finances aren't good
I've told my OH to ignore them as the enivitable is going to happen with his brother, but I think OH needs to feel like he is 'doing something' for his brother.
does anyone know what happens in this situation? and my BIL will die intestate so who takes over sorting all the finances out? do we need a solicitor?
i probably have loads more questions but mind has gone a bit blank at the mo - any advice gratefully recieved

tattoed_bum

i am so sorry for your loss and the cicumstances you are in,it may be best to leave things as they are for a minute and if you BIL doesnt pull through then contact the relevant companies with a copy of the death certificate,

i am sorry if this sounds a bit harsh

libbyc3

no that doesn't sound harsh and that is exactly what i think but its the OH who is feeling useless and guilty and every emotion going at the mo, and sees doing something to sort the finances as somehow 'helping' his brother.
They weren't particularly close - due to BIL lifestyle, just looking for pointers as to what or who takes over things when he has passed on as he has no will - is it his family who sort through everything or some sort of solicitor?

lolababy

Tel your hubby that he has done all he can and to wait and see. There is nothing more he can do and Im sure that knows that. Ask to see the duty social worker at the hospital for some advice.

belfastgirl23

Would it be worth trying CCCS for advice - http://www.cccs.co.uk/

At the very least they should be able to tell your husband how to find someone else who can do something to help.

Errata

Libby - have a look at this website for plain english answers to some of the questions you've asked http://www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk/en/legalhelp/leaflet10_8.jsp

alwaysonthego_2

If the debts were in your B-I-L name you and the family are not liable for them, so don't be bullied into thinking otherwise (unless in joint names).

Sorry about this, a very sad time.

libbyc3

thank you for all the advice.
errata - thanks for that link - makes things much clearer

Errata

Happy to help - wishing you and your family well.

Counting_Pennies_2

I am so sorry to hear about the news.

I would let your husband grieve and say goodbye to him. The debt can wait a few days I am sure while he takes it all in.

Then do as the others suggest above

x

winnie81

I am so sorry to hear your news. My dad died leaving debts and for some companies they wouldn't speak to us as we weren't the account holder. We had to send death certificates to them all and to a few companies very stern letters for them to cease contact. You and your family are not at all liable for the debts and please don't let the debt collectors bully you some are very over zealous. If you need time for your own grief do not feel bad ignoring the debt collectors for a few weeks just ignore there calls.

Finally your BIL, you and your family are in my thoughts in this very difficult time x