New York 10/5/2010 11:19:34 PM
News / Finance

Deceased Relatives Debts Typically Paid By Their Estate Rather Than Surviving Family, Warns Class Action.org

The consumer fraud lawyers working with Class Action.org are available to review claims from surviving family members who have been coerced into paying a deceased family member’s debt. Surviving relatives usually have no legal obligation to pay a deceased relative’s debt; however, a new trend has developed in the debt collection industry in which creditors coerce or guilt surviving family members into paying debts for which they are not responsible. If you have been subjected to this practice by a debt collector, visit http://www.classaction.org/debts-of-deceased-relatives.html to receive a free evaluation of your case. 

In general, when a person dies, their estate is responsible for paying any debts. If the money from the estate cannot fulfill the outstanding debts, they would typically remain unpaid. Most surviving family members have no legal obligation to pay a deceased relatives’s debts, though there are certain exceptions regarding outstanding spousal debts. Still, even a spouse’s obligation to pay may be limited under state laws. 

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, a federal law enforced by the nation’s consumer protection agency, prohibits debt collectors from using deceptive practices and provides a certain amount of protection to surviving relatives. If a debt collector has coerced you into paying a deceased relative’s debt, he or she may have violated federal debt collection law and you may be entitled to financial damages as a result. To find out if you can file a lawsuit stemming from an illegal debt collection practice, visit http://www.classaction.org/debts-of-deceased-relatives.html and complete the free case review form. The consumer fraud attorneys working with Class Action.org are providing this initial consultation at no cost and remain dedicated to protecting the rights of consumers who have been subjected to illegal debt collection practices. 

About Class Action.org

Class Action.org is dedicated to protecting consumers and investors in class actions and complex litigation throughout the United States. Class Action.org keeps consumers informed about product alerts, recalls, and emerging litigation and helps them take action against the manufacturers of defective products, drugs, and medical devices. Information about consumer fraud issues and environmental hazards is also available on the site. Visit http://www.classaction.org today for a no cost, no obligation case evaluation and information about your consumer rights.