Debt responsibility when single person dies

mscroft

My brother passed away recently, aged 50 single, never married, no children. Both parents dead, 3 siblings.

He lived in a council flat, on benefits and left no money. We have agreed to share the funeral costs but believe he also has debts - loans, credit cards, catalogue debt and possibly bill arrears.

I would be really grateful if someone could advise on whether we are also liable for these debts.

thank you

FreeBear

If there is no money to pay the creditors from the estate, any/all debts die with him. You are not responsible for the debts.

The best thing to do is to just walk away, don't apply for probate, and certainly do not meddle in the estate.

mscroft

Thank you for your swift response. We are hoping to have his flat ready to hand back to the council early next week but wonder if we will have to supply a forwarding address for bills etc. His death was sudden and very unexpected and we just don't know where to start.

Any further advice would be most appreciated.

nwc389

As has been mentioned the debts die with your bother , but that won't stop some companies trying !
My advice would be give out no contact details , don't give your address or phone number , don't try to be ' helpful' with these companies - make absolutely no contact at all .

Yorkshireman99

mscroft wrote: »

My brother passed away recently, aged 50 single, never married, no children. Both parents dead, 3 siblings.

He lived in a council flat, on benefits and left no money. We have agreed to share the funeral costs but believe he also has debts - loans, credit cards, catalogue debt and possibly bill arrears.

I would be really grateful if someone could advise on whether we are also liable for these debts.

thank you

You are not liable for these ot for the funeral costs. The local authority or the hospital where he died have to pay for a basic funeral and cremation.

mscroft

Thanks for your replies. We are led to believe that as we all work, despite our brother receiving benefits, we are liable for the funeral costs. I have no idea if this information is correct.

Mojisola

mscroft wrote: »

Thanks for your replies. We are led to believe that as we all work, despite our brother receiving benefits, we are liable for the funeral costs. I have no idea if this information is correct.

No-one can be forced to pay for someone else's funeral.

Upsidedown_Bear

OP - you might find these helpful. Sorry for your loss.
https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/what-to-do-when-someone-dies-a-checklist
http://www.ageuk.org.uk/money-matters/legal-issues/what-to-do-when-someone-dies/what-to-do-first-when-someone-dies/

Yorkshireman99

mscroft wrote: »

Thanks for your replies. We are led to believe that as we all work, despite our brother receiving benefits, we are liable for the funeral costs. I have no idea if this information is correct.

Simply untrue! Do not be bullied into paying. Beware of arranging the funeral as you would then be liable to the undertaker

NotRichAtAll

You are not liabel for the costs, unless you go arranging this that and the other do not be forced or scammed or bullied into this.
Also sorry for your loss

getmore4less

The council may try it on for rent unless there was some agreement.

You did not even have to cleanup the flat, get in get all the stuff that needs save keeping, job done.

As you are working you can't claim the benefit but you don't have to organise or pay, having said than you may want to.