QUESTION
My father died last night and his girlfriend wants me to sign cream action papers. I don't want to be liable for his debts what do I' do
Asked on Apr 25th, 2013 on Wills and Probate - New Jersey
More details to this question:
My father left me at an early age of 10 or so with no support from him. And no care for us. Time went by. I got a call from his girlfriend of 20 years or so that he is sick and dying last week. I visited him once and this morning she calle me that he died an needs me to sign funeral arrangement and cream action papers. All these years no call or contact to see me or his grand kids and now they need me to sign release forms . I want to protect my self and my family from his debts and bills.
1 ANSWER
2 Awards
New Jersey is very picky when it comes to authorizing cremation. It is required that the next of kin sign a document allowing the cremation. Without the next of kin signing, someone has to become the administrator of the estate, and authorize the cremation. I don't believe there could ever be any liability for you if you sign the cremation authorization form. However, you might want to check with the Surrogate in the county in which your father lived to see if there has been any one appointed to be charge of his estate.
Answered on Apr 25th, 2013 at 3:23 PM
Diana L. Anderson, Certified Elder Law Attorney This response is not legal advice and does not establish any form of attorney/client relationship