After a relative dies, the last thing a grieving family member wants is a call from a debt collector asking them to pay a loved one’s debt. Here’s what to know about the rules and your rights when a collector contacts you about a deceased relative’s debts. Show
What To Know About a Deceased Relative’s DebtsWho’s responsible for a deceased person’s debts?As a rule, a person’s debts do not go away when they die. Those debts are owed by and paid from the deceased person’s estate. By law, family members do not usually have to pay the debts of a deceased relative from their own money. If there isn’t enough money in the estate to cover the debt, it usually goes unpaid. But there are exceptions to this rule. You may be personally responsible for the debt if you:
If you have questions about whether you’re legally required to pay a deceased person’s debts from your own money, talk to a lawyer. Depending on your income, you may qualify for free legal services from a legal aid organization near you. Who can pay debts out of the deceased person’s assets?The executor — the person named in a will to carry out what it says after the person’s death — is responsible for settling the deceased person’s debts. If there’s no will, the court may appoint an administrator, personal representative, or universal successor and give them the power to settle the affairs of the estate. In some states, that power may be granted to someone else who was not appointed by the court. For example, state law may establish another process for someone to become the representative of the estate even if they haven’t been formally appointed by the court. Can a debt collector talk to a relative about a deceased person’s debt?The law protects people — including family members — from debt collectors who use abusive, unfair, or deceptive practices to try to collect a debt. Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), collectors can contact and discuss outstanding debts with the deceased person’s
Collectors can also contact any other person with the power to pay debts with assets from the deceased person’s estate. Debt collectors may not discuss the debts of a deceased person with anyone else. If a debt collector contacts a deceased person’s relative, or another person connected to the deceased, what can they talk about?Collectors can contact other relatives or other people connected to the deceased (who don’t have the power to pay debts from the estate) to get the name, address, and telephone number of the deceased person’s spouse, executor, administrator, or other person with the power to pay the deceased person’s debts. Collectors can usually only contact these relatives or other people one time to get this information, and they can’t discuss the details of the debt. Collectors can reach out again for updated information, or if the relative or other person gave the collector wrong or incomplete information. But, even then, collectors can’t discuss the debt. If I have the power to pay a deceased person’s debt, can I stop a debt collector from contacting me about the debt?Yes, the law says you can stop a collection company from contacting you. To do this, send a letter to the collector. A telephone call isn’t enough. Tell the collector you don’t want them to contact you again. Make a copy of the letter for your files, send the original by certified mail, and pay for a “return receipt” so you can document when the collector got the letter. Once the collection company gets your letter, it can only contact you to
But even if you stop collectors from communicating with you, the debt doesn’t go away. The collectors may still try to collect the debt from either the estate, or anyone who fits one of the categories listed above. Where can I learn more about debt collection and my rights?Read these Debt Collection FAQs. Report ProblemsWhat should I do if I think a debt collector is breaking the law?Report any problems you have with a debt collector to
Many states have their own debt collection laws that are different from the federal law. Your state attorney general's office can help you understand your rights under your state’s law. What are the exceptions to the usual billing and collections procedures?There are a number of exceptions to the usual billing and collection procedures.. Use black or blue ink.. Enter the check number if it is not preprinted.. Enter the date.. Identify the payee.. Bring forward the balance from the previous stub.. List any deposits.. Enter the amount of the check being written.. Enter the new balance.. What is the term for the money owed to the medical practice for service provided?Accounts receivable or A/R is a term used to denote money owed to your practice for services you have rendered and billed. Any payments due from patients, payers, or other guarantors are considered A/R.
What are charges considered when deemed uncollectible?Accounts uncollectible are receivables, loans, or other debt that will not be paid by a debtor. Reasons for accounts uncollectible relate to bankruptcy or a refusal to pay by the debtor. Goods sold on credit usually have a 30 to 90 day time period in which to be made whole.
When payment has not been received the first phone call to the patient should occur?When payment has not been received, the first phone call to the patient should occur: within 30-45 days.
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When it is necessary to collect a bill owed by a deceased patient the statement is sent to?
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