<prompt> Human: I am using a throwaway account because some extended family know my other reddit name.My mother was diagnosed with cancer about 5 years ago and it has had its ups and downs, but as of the past year her condition has gotten progressively worse. Above that, she lost her job about 2 years ago, then lost her and my fathers home. They are good now, they are comfortably renting. BUT...when they lost their house, my siblings and I found out about my mothers crazy spending habits addiction with credit cards...something like 45k of debt. Dad is retired, has pension and SSI and my mother...so my parents contacted a lawyer to help them settle all of the debts. The debts were all squared up some paid, some reduced or removed and a seemingly fresh start was given to them. Also note, they have little to no savings...maybe 1-2k total between the two of them.Now, as my mothers cancer is progressing, she is beginning to lose her wits about her and she is back to her old spending habits. My mom runs the house, so my dad is kind of sitting back and watching things take place...doesnt know what to do.I live in the US and I have heard that when your parents pass away, you take on responsibility for their debt. Im not loaded and neither are my siblings, so a huge medical debt or CC debt from my mother would be devastating.Seeing this, my siblings and I want to know:Can we claim some type of immunity, or legal protection, from our parents debt before it actually accrues?We appreciate any and all help or guidance you can provide. Thank you in advance!  <response>: I live in the US and I have heard that when your parents pass away, you take on responsibility for their debt.This is incorrect. What can happen is after they pass, the estate that was willed to you and your siblings will be responsible for squaring up their debts if possible. You arent responsible for any of it unless your names on it. 