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What constitutes "estate" for a deceased person without a will etc.
Main Post:
My mom passed away and now has unpaid medical bills from her last day at the hospital. I read online and in this sub that the money will be taken from the "estate". What does that include? She has no will, and by means of property there's just the current house she is a joint owner of with me, while I pay the mortgage on this home.
Will her share of the home equity be diluted to pay these bills?
Top Comment: The above is very correct. Also understand that you are not responsible for paying any outstanding debts belonging to your mother, other than the mortgage since you are both on the house. You do not need to pay her medical bills or credit cards, although the collection companies will attempt to guilt you into it. Those bills would only be paid from any money she had, like a bank account. It does not include life insurance, 401k or IRAs, which will have named beneficiaries (probably you). That is not part of the estate and goes directly to you.