 TITLE: Can You Inherit Debt? CONTENT: How to Deal With Debt After the Death of a Family Member\n--------------------------------------------------------\nWhen you lose a loved one who had outstanding debts, debt collectors may come calling. They are allowed to contact a deceased person's spouse to identify the estate's executor or administrator. However, they aren't allowed to claim that you're responsible for paying off these debts unless you truly are legally obligated (like in the case of joint debt).\nWhile they may believe they are acting within their rights, it's possible a debt collector will try to collect debt that isn't valid or has passed the statute of limitations. Make sure to familiarize yourself with debt collection laws and understand how to deal with debt collectors.\nThe Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) regulates what collectors can and can't do: They're not allowed to threaten you, harass you with repeated calls or claim they'll take your property they're not entitled to, among other things. If you believe a debt collector is violating your rights, you can send them a letter asking them to stop and report it to your state's attorney general or submit a complaint with the CFPB.\nIf debt collectors insist you're responsible for your loved one's outstanding debts and you're unsure how to proceed, consider hiring a lawyer. They can determine whether these claims are valid and help you deal with collectors. The CFPB advises looking for a lawyer who specializes in consumer law, estate or probate law, debt collection defense or the FDCPA. If you can't afford it, look for legal clinics or legal aid offices in your area that offer free or discounted services. END