Applying for Probate for an Adopted Person

RAS

Sorry for your loss, parents don't expect to survive their children.

Agreed. If your son has any assets in bank accounts, ask the funeral director to bill them directly. And they will pay out.

Beyond that, if you think his assets are less than his debts, his estate is insolvent. It is OK to gather together the information about his assets and liabilities and store them. Don't however deal with either his creditors or account providers beyond funeral costs.

If his creditors write, explain the estate is insolvent and they are welcome to take ownership of the documentation you've got stored in a carrier bag. They won't be inclined to accept.

You've got enough grief dealing with the real stuff.