Before my mother passed away it was her intent that her debts pass away with her. After my mother died I helped my father resolve my mother's debt and he paid it off, as he felt it was his moral responsibility to do.
My older sister just passed a way recently and, like money always does, problems arise. Now a question came up. My sister's estate was under the amount required by law for probate, therefore her funds were evenly disbursed between us three surviving siblings. My youngest sister asked about splitting up her debt and paying it.
I would agree to split any expenses after her death, funeral, etc... and pay off rent, hospital, gas etc...closing accounts, but I would not pay a dime to any credit cards or banks.
My explanation: Not a borrower nor a lender be. I do not borrow money, in fact I try to remain debt free as ordered by not a borrower nor a lender be. For me to pay a lender when I don't legally have to (she had under minimum required) I almost consider a sin. I will have no part in other's borrowing and lending.
It is my understanding that if someone has little money left, under 150k, they would just let the survivors have it and not pass on the debt, and I agree with that legally and moralistically.
I told my sister that for someone who ignored the order not to borrow or lend, good luck with that.
Opinions?
