Most debts incurred in life simply don't vanish upon death. After funeral expenses, homestead & exempt property allowances, and family allowances are paid out the deceased person's estate first, creditors then can seek to collect monies owed from the "net estate," but this is so long as that property is not jointly owned by the decedent & another person. Common examples of joint assets shielded from creditors include joint bank accounts and real property held by joint tenancy. Arizona's community property laws are also implicated here. Qualified estate planning and consumer debt counsel can help you tailor a will and trust to protect your hard-earned assets and your loved ones from relentless creditors or third party collectors. Do not delay.
Answered on Aug 31st, 2011 at 10:27 AM