<prompt> Human: Mom passed away Monday. She has 15K in cash and savings and I am on her account so I can withdraw that money. No spouse. No vehicle. A mobile home thats paid for and where my 90 year old grandmother still lives. She also has about 30-34K in credit card debts and medical bills. No single credit card is above about 4K. I am also named on one of those cards and know Im on the hook for it 600. I am working in getting a payout from a 25K life insurance policy. She said she had a will but I havent found it yet. She always told me if she passed not to pay off the cards and to tell the debt collectors to pound sand. I am not so sure. I know they could sue her estate. Funeral costs and a headstone will take about 10K out of her account, leaving only about 5K for the 30K in debt. What to do? Could they in theory force a sale of the mobile home to settle the debts? Should I pay the cards or medical off out of the life insurance policy and close her accounts? Do I need to try to go through probate? I know the cards wont talk to me unless I get named executor but I can manage her accounts on her behalf and in theory could pay them cancel them online. And would the legal fees be so much I may as well pay them off? Im sure this gets asked a lot in some variation. Thanks for being patient with me.  <response>: Sorry for you loss. You need to hire an estate attorney. There is liquid and physical assets that you mother had plus debts and an attorney can help to get you through the process. Do not touch any of the money in the account but do let the bank know that your mother has passed, this alerts them in case of any possible fraud. If you are the only child or the oldest child you are automatically executor unless her will states otherwise. if you are unable to find that will it will default to probate. One advice on probate, it is a slow process so be patient and always talk to whichever attorney you hire. Always ask questions. 