Dead Parents Debt Urgent Advice

alpbabe

After our mothers recent and unexpected death we have found out that she owed a lot of money on items she purchaed from TV shows such as QVC, department store cards and catalogues, etc. Fortunately her bank overdraft was cleared and her bank account has been closed. We contacted as many companies as quickly as possible to notify them of her death and where to send mail and also to take her off the many mailing lists she was on. We are now being bombarded by debt collectors wanting bills paid off. Our mother didn't own her property and there was no will. My sister is named next of kin. Two small insurances have been paid out and we are more than willing to pay off mums debit if we have enough money.

According to the Money Advice Service this is the order we should pay off debts:
1. Secured debts, such as the mortgage. 2. Reasonable funeral costs and the costs of administering the estate. 3. Unsecured debts, such as credit cards, utility bills, unpaid rent, Council Tax and other taxes, and repayment of overpaid benefits.

My question is, Under point number 2 Can we first reimburse ourselves for the funeral costs, wake, flight/travel costs to come home to clear our mothers flat and organise the funeral and a second trip to home for the funeral before paying the debt collectors? We have basically run up bills of over a couple of thousand pounds and would prefere to be reimbursed before paying anyone else. Please does someone have a reliable answer? I've tried contactin Citizens Advice but not heard anything.

dawyldthing

I don't know if you'll be able to take the flight costs tbh but in a lot of cases if there's more money owed to places than there is cleared they are told to just leave the estate alone. Have a look on the death, probate board as you might get more support on there too

dawyldthing

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5530172

That gives a bit more info, similar thing really bar the flights

macman

Since your mother died intestate, it's up to the Probate Registry to appoint an administrator in the absence of an executor. Until that's done, you are merely another creditor of the estate. Just because your sister is next of kin doesn't automatically make her the legal administrator.
If appointed, you can claim reasonable expenses, which should be documented and receipted, but you cannot claim for your time.
You cannot distribute anything until you have a complete picture of the assets and debts of the estate: only then will you know if there are sufficient assets to repay the creditors. In the meantime, tell the debt collectors that they will have to wait until the estate is wound up. They cannot pursue you, as you have no liability for her debts.

alpbabe

For anyone needing help in future on this subject, the website to go to is the Bereavement Advice Centre.

Good advice and a helpline if needed.