What Happens to Debt When you Die?

It is a common misconception that a person’s debts die with them. After you die, your debts become the responsibility of your estate. Find out more in this article.

Jan Atkinson

Do your debts die with you?

Are credit card debts, loans, mortgages and other financial liabilities cancelled on death? The short answer is ‘no’ – but you can be reassured that your loved ones will not have to pay off your debts out of their own pockets when you die.

At Osbornes Law, it is a common misconception among clients that a person’s debts die with them. On death, your debts become the responsibility of the executors who will be dealing with the estate. Those debts must be taken into account when the executors value the estate.

Dying with significant debt is not uncommon. According to Age UK, one in 50 people in their 70s has problem debts; and millions of older people increasingly struggle to pay their bills. The fact is, many people in their latter years still carry debts; and the wealthy are not immune.

Related blog posts:

• What to Do When Someone Dies
• Beware of appointing your children as executors

How do debts become part of the estate?

On death, the executors (‘administrators’ if there is no will) are responsible for valuing the estate. This means determining the value of all the assets as well as the debts outstanding at the date of death. To do this, the executors will need to gather as much information and documentation as possible.

It is for the executors to settle the debts out of the estate funds, whether those are credit card bills, unpaid taxes or a mortgage – before making payments to the beneficiaries.

Think of it like an estate ‘pot’ containing an amount of cash representing the total value of the deceased’s assets. Out of that pot, an amount is extracted to pay off the total debts he or she owed at the date of death. The balance – once inheritance tax and other expenses are paid – is available for distribution to the beneficiaries.

Who is responsible for joint debts?

In the case of joint debts, the responsibility for the outstanding amount will depend on the circumstances. For joint debts such as bank loans and joint overdrafts, the survivor will inherit responsibility for the entire debt.

However, joint mortgages and other secured loans on property that was co-owned as tenants in common (ie each owning a distinct share), the estate may be responsible for the deceased’s proportion of the outstanding mortgage. It would very much depend upon the terms of the loan and we can help with reviewing the necessary paperwork to determine this.

• Related article: The Benefits of Early Inheritance Tax Planning

Is the executor of the estate responsible for debt?

As executor, you’re responsible for arranging for the deceased’s debts to be settled out of the estate funds. You need not worry about being personally liable to pay off those debts so long as you are careful to deal with things responsibly in accordance with your legal responsibilities.

Only if you are negligent will you be held personally responsible for losses to the estate. If you have any concerns, our probate team are here to provide reassurance.

Statutory advertisements

It is usually recommended that executors place notices, known as section 27 notices, in the Gazette and newspapers local to the deceased to ask previously unknown creditors to come forward. If creditors do not come forward within 2 months of that date, then the executors can distribute the estate safe in the knowledge that they have done what they can do to find unknown creditors and will therefore not be personally liable for that debt.

These notices do not apply to known creditors, that debt would be payable whether the notices have been placed or not.

The notices do not protect beneficiaries, and creditors could pursue a claim against the beneficiaries directly.

How to manage beneficiaries’ expectations

It’s understandable that beneficiaries want to receive their share as soon as possible. But where there are debts to be settled first – you may need to carefully manage their expectations with early communication and understanding.

The reality is, an estate with significant debts will reduce the amount available for distribution and the beneficiaries could receive much less than they may be expecting.

Discuss the issue with them and indicate the amount they might realistically receive when you’re eventually able to distribute the estate. Distribution could also take longer than expected. We know these conversations can be tough, but early communication can minimise the risk of misunderstanding and potential disputes later.

In some cases, there may be nothing left for the beneficiaries. An estate is insolvent where the debts exceed the value of the assets – in which case the beneficiaries will receive nothing.

As executor, your duties including managing beneficiaries’ expectations throughout the administration of the estate. Difficult conversations may become necessary, and our specialist probate lawyers can support you.

Paying debts and outstanding expenses

If the estate is solvent, it is wise to pay any outstanding debts as soon as possible. This includes other expenses, such as funeral expenses and any inheritance tax due. While some creditors may agree to freeze the interest pending settlement, clearing debts promptly will reduce the amount of interest that accrues.

Often, by the time the executors can settle an estate debt, creditors may have already spent months chasing the money they are owed. They may even have instructed debt collectors. In our experience, creditors are more minded to respond leniently if they are regularly updated and executors communicate promptly and openly.

So, make early contact with all known creditors to find out the amount owing at the date of death, discuss freezing the interest and provide regular updates to manage their expectations. Unnecessary delays may cost more in interest payable leaving less available for the beneficiaries.

When will executors need to reduce a beneficiary’s share?

Once the executors have paid off the estate debts, the executors will need to calculate how the remaining amount should be distributed. Usually, this will be straightforward – but what if there is not enough left in the estate to pay all the beneficiaries in full?

In these situations, the law provides for gifts to be reduced in a certain order depending on the nature of the estate. Where the will specifies the order in which legacies should be paid, specific legacies take priority and general legacies are then reduced proportionately (with no residue left over).

If the estate has significant debts, the residuary beneficiaries could end up receiving little or nothing. We know this would most likely not have been the testator’s intention and can lead to testy but necessary conversations with the beneficiaries. However, the beneficiaries may be able to vary the terms of a will. A probate solicitor can help executors facilitate these negotiations.

How long do creditors have to collect a debt from an estate?

Creditors usually have six years from the date the debt became due to claim the debt. After this limitation period has expired, the creditor cannot take legal action to recover the debt in court, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

There are exceptions to the 6-year rule, for example a mortgage on a property may have a longer limitation period. Also, the limitation period may be extended if certain action is taken, such as acknowledging the debt in writing or making a partial repayment.

Administering an insolvent estate

If you’re an executor dealing with an estate with significant debts, you may be concerned the debts will be greater than the value of assets. It’s important to understand that handling an insolvent estate can be particularly challenging; and if you pay creditors in the wrong order (even if accidentally) you could be held personally liable.

We suggest consulting a specialist solicitor early on to prevent the risk of this happening.

If the estate is insolvent, you have legal duties in respect of the creditors. The rules of bankruptcy set out the specific order of priority in which groups of creditors must be paid. Secured creditors are at the top, followed by funeral and then testamentary expenses, preferential creditors and unsecured creditors (in that order).

You will need to liaise with all creditors (and any debt collection agencies involved) to negotiate the terms of repayment. If you haven’t already, explain to the beneficiaries that they will not receive any funds from the estate.

Importantly, get in touch with lawyers experienced in dealing with insolvent estate. We can ensure you are protected from the risk of mistakes and personal liability.

What to do if you suspect fraud

Executors should be alert to anything about the estate that may seem unusual as it could indicate fraudulent activity. Sadly, there are individuals who treat the death of a friend or relative as an opportunity to commit fraud and help themselves to the individual’s personal possessions and money.

So if, for example, you identify an unexpected debt or an inflated debt, bank account discrepancies or dubious transfers of property, or valuable items have gone missing – don’t ignore it.

Or if the deceased was known for being careful with money during their lifetime, but appears to have uncharacteristically used credit cards towards the end of their life, you should consider whether they may have been the victim of fraud.

As executor, you have a legal responsibility to investigate these types of red flags and to protect the estate and its beneficiaries from fraud. Appropriate investigations must be carried out promptly; and where your investigations confirm your suspicions you should seek reimbursement on behalf of the estate.

This may be directly from the fraudster or via an insurance policy or compensation scheme. We can advise on the options open to you to recover the cash or property.

As an executor, it is vital to remain on alert to the possibility of fraud – particularly as relatives may be grieving and unaware of anything untoward before or since their loved one’s death.

Can an executor use the deceased person’s credit card?

As executor, you must also avoid the potential risk of inadvertent fraud on the estate. Using a deceased person’s credit card without proper authorisation can be considered fraud.

Where immediate estate expenses arise, such as funeral expenses or urgent bills, the executors should use funds from the estate’s bank account or other available assets to cover these costs. Accurate and clear records of all financial transactions since the start of the estate administration must be kept.

Taking professional advice from experienced solicitors

Dealing with the estate on your own might seem cheaper and preserve more money for the beneficiaries. However, save for the simplest of estates, handling the administration without specialist support can be challenging, overwhelming and risky.

Talking to a solicitor may save the estate money in the long run, helping you navigate this process more easily and quickly. With the support of professional advisers, we can ensure debts are properly dealt with and ensure more money goes to the beneficiaries.

To book an appointment with an expert, contact us by:

• Filling in our online enquiry form; or
• Calling us on 020 7485 8811