What Should I Do With Bills That Arrive in My Loved One’s Name?

Ensure that any bills for the person who died are forwarded to the executor of the loved one’s estate, as the estate is responsible for payment. Keep in mind that in the majority of cases, relatives and even spouses are not responsible for the personal debts of someone who died. If you are the executor, pay any outstanding bills out of the value of the estate (this is part of the probate process in which an estate’s assets are distributed). If the estate lacks the necessary funds, bills can typically go unpaid. 

Canceling accounts & services after someone dies

Continuing services, such as cell phone, cable and subscription services like Netflix, utilities (if no one else continues to live at the address), etc., should be canceled as soon as possible. Outstanding bills may be paid by the estate or can generally be ignored if they are only in the name of the person who died. To cancel these services, contact the customer service department of the particular servicer to notify them of the death. The process for each company tends to differ; many require copies of the death certificate for cancellation.

Typically, you should continue to pay bills associated with assets, like a home mortgage or car payment, to avoid the risk of foreclosure or repossession. If someone is remaining in the deceased loved one’s home, continue paying utility bills to avoid service suspension as well. It is also prudent to move the accounts to the name of the current occupant of the home.

Sources

“Probate: What It Is and How It Works, With and Without a Will”. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/probate.asp

“Bills and Services to Cancel—and Keep—When a Loved One Dies”. McCreary Law Office. https://mccrearylawoffice.com/bills-and-services-to-cancel-and-keep-when-a-loved-one-dies/