Estate and Property Fraud
What if someone claims the deceased owed them money?
Short answer
They must file a formal creditor claim against the estate during probate. You are not required to simply pay anyone who calls claiming to be a creditor. Ask for written documentation of the debt. During probate, the court oversees all creditor claims…
What this usually means
They must file a formal creditor claim against the estate during probate. You are not required to simply pay anyone who calls claiming to be a creditor. Ask for written documentation of the debt. During probate, the court oversees all creditor claims. For small estates outside probate, ask an attorney before paying any claimed debt.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county phone numbers for coroner, vital records, and local offices.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.