Q: I live in Houston, Texas and both of my parents died in 2006. They do not have a will and they don’t owe Federal or State taxes. They do have unpaid credit card debt. My sister and I are in agreement to sell their house. We need to put the title of the house in my name. What are the steps to take? And, are we responsible for the debt?
Thank you.
A: My condolences on losing both of your parents in the same year. Please talk to an estate attorney who can walk you through what you must do in your state. Because your parents died intestate (without a will), and they had property, you will need to put their estates through probate. And yes, their estates will have to pay off any of their debts.
Please find someone good to help you. You can get a referral from your local bar association, such as the Atlanta Bar Association or the Chicago Bar Association or your state bar.
RECENTLY MY MOTHER PASSED AWAY AND MY FATHER PASSED AWAY 20 YEARS EARLIER. WE ARE TRYING TO SELL THE HOUSE, BUT ARE HAVING DIFFICULTIES, DUE TO MY BROTHER BEING IN PRISON AND MY SISTER DOES NOT WISH TO SPEAK WITH US. HOW CAN MY SISTER AN I SELL THE HOUSE WITHOUT INVOLVING THEM TWO.