It is common for people to die and have debt. Some debts must be pai. Debts like mortgages, taxes, child support, and car payments. If there is nothing in your estate when you die, then the car will need to go back and the mortgage company will foreclose. If you owe taxes or child support, your heirs will need to contact the appropriate authorities. Credit card companies can only go after the people who are on the credit card, and they only have one year to sue. Your heirs are not responsible for those debts.
For those who have had Medi-Cal, only assets subject to probate are available for recovery. This means if you have assets titled in your trust, those assets are not available. Assets that pass to beneficiaries through a designation such as Pay on Death are not available, and a small estate is not available. If you have a probate, they will make a claim that will need to be paid.
If your loved one recently passed, give me a call. I can help you navigate all these complexities.
