utility bills in debt

wheeler1970

hi, recently my brother passed away he was never married and no children so I'm his NOK i know for a fact there is no money in his bank account not even for a funeral, but i know he owes a fair bit of money to n/power or eon as its known, plus council tax, he lived in private rented accommodation,he was self employed. does this mean the people mentioned will force the debts on to me.i cant do the tell me once as I'm waiting  for the DC.but I'm really scared as my own mental health isn't good. thanks  

mobileron

Debts can not be passed too you,just ensure they dont try it on.

Grumpelstiltskin

If as it seems the estate is insolvent DO NOT GET INVOLVED

I use capitals as it could unravel a huge can of worms.

Do not arrange the funeral, do not do anything involving any financial matters unless you are prepared for the fact you may become liable for the debts.

wheeler1970

Grumpelstiltskin said:

If as it seems the estate is insolvent DO NOT GET INVOLVED

I use capitals as it could unravel a huge can of worms.

Do not arrange the funeral, do not do anything involving any financial matters unless you are prepared for the fact you may become liable for the debts.

thanks, I'm the only family member so i have no choice but to arrange the funeral, at the moment I'm not getting involved with the financial matters, ill have to borrow money for the funeral  for obvious reasons  

Grumpelstiltskin

You do have a choice regarding the funeral, there is nothing in law to say you have to arrange the funeral.

Grumpelstiltskin

This is the relevant Gov. UK information.

Public health funerals: good practice guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Do not put yourself in debt for the funeral.

Flugelhorn

good link above - if there is really no money then don't get involved and don't arrange the funeral unless you have spare cash.

A relative was in similar position with his brother, they opted to pay for the funeral as felt they needed a "proper event" for elderly parents sake. Much time spent though fighting off creditors - had to be tough 

wheeler1970

Flugelhorn said:

good link above - if there is really no money then don't get involved and don't arrange the funeral unless you have spare cash.

A relative was in similar position with his brother, they opted to pay for the funeral as felt they needed a "proper event" for elderly parents sake. Much time spent though fighting off creditors - had to be tough 

there's nothing in his bank account,thanks for reply i think ill have to follow that gov website.  

Magnolia

I'm sorry for the loss of your brother - posters above are right in their advice.

You do not need to do anything.  The Public health funerals are not soulless events.  You will be able to attend and make you final goodbyes.

Gavin83

Firstly I'm sorry for your loss.

While I don't disagree that it's best to have a public health funeral it's important to note that this isn't seen as intermeddling so if he really wants to arrange a proper funeral he can. Getting involved with the estate however could see him personally liable for the debts.

OP, I'll definitely second what others have said though, under no circumstances get involved with handling his financial affairs. Don't become an executor, handle the estate in any way or deal with any of the creditors. If anyone asks just say no one is administering the estate. I can't push this point enough, to get involved would be extremely foolish.

wheeler1970

Gavin83 said:

Firstly I'm sorry for your loss.

While I don't disagree that it's best to have a public health funeral it's important to note that this isn't seen as intermeddling so if he really wants to arrange a proper funeral he can. Getting involved with the estate however could see him personally liable for the debts.

OP, I'll definitely second what others have said though, under no circumstances get involved with handling his financial affairs. Don't become an executor, handle the estate in any way or deal with any of the creditors. If anyone asks just say no one is administering the estate. I can't push this point enough, to get involved would be extremely foolish.

thanks for the kind words. i think i will follow the advice given I'm genuinely grateful for the advice .