Debt, Credit, and Financial Identity
What about their student loans — am I responsible?
Short answer
Federal student loans: discharged at death, not your responsibility. Private student loans: depends on the lender and whether you co-signed. If you co-signed, you may be fully responsible. If you did not co-sign, the estate is responsible but not you personally. Verify…
What this usually means
Federal student loans: discharged at death, not your responsibility. Private student loans: depends on the lender and whether you co-signed. If you co-signed, you may be fully responsible. If you did not co-sign, the estate is responsible but not you personally. Verify each loan individually.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.