The answer to the question “If you die what happens to your debt” may surprise you. It isn’t just credit card and mortgage debt that goes on to someone’s estate. There are plenty of other expenses that go along with dealing with a deceased person’s assets, such as hidden costs. Getting a head start on understanding what these are can save you a lot of headaches down the road.
Mortgages
In some cases, the debt of a person who has died may be inherited by another individual. Mortgages, for example, can be passed on to the next-of-kin. Understanding what happens to a mortgage after death can help protect your loved ones.
What happens to a mortgage after death depends on several factors. The type of mortgage, state law, and federal laws all play a role in determining how the debt is handled.
Some heirs inherit the mortgage while others opt to take over the home and make payments. In most cases, the homeowner’s estate must be settled before the property is transferred.
The “due-on-sale” clause in a mortgage requires that the loan be paid in full upon the transfer of ownership. If the heir is not willing or able to make the required payments, the lender can foreclose on the house. This can have serious consequences for credit, making it difficult to obtain new loans.
Car loans
If you are a car borrower, you have probably already heard about the death clause in your car loan contract. It is a part of the contract that outlines the steps your lender will take to ensure that you pay off your car loan in the event of your death.
There are four stages to the process of handling your loan after your death. The first stage involves notifying your lender of your death. This is not only a precautionary measure, but it can also prevent you from defaulting on your loan.
When you die, your car loan becomes part of your estate. Your estate is the sum of your assets, which include your home, cars, investments, and other personal items. These assets can be used to pay off your debts.
Your family, spouse, or surviving friends may be able to take over your loan payments. You should contact your lender to learn more about the procedures involved in taking over a car loan after you pass away.
Credit card debt
When a loved one dies, handling the debts that a person owes can be emotionally difficult. However, if you know what to do, you can ensure that the financial affairs of your loved one are taken care of properly.
There are several documents and numbers that you will need to be familiar with when settling the debts of a deceased loved one. You may even need to contact an attorney for advice. The key is to get everything in order before the person passes away.
If a person dies with a joint account, the surviving spouse is responsible for the balance. The remaining debts are paid off before assets are distributed. In some cases, a court will freeze the deceased’s assets until the debts are repaid.
Credit card accounts are a little different. Survivors can apply for an authorized user for a card. However, this does not mean that they are responsible for a deceased person’s debt.