What if the deceased has debt?

Family or next of kin are not personally liable for any outstanding estate debt. If the deceased person owed monies to creditors (which may also include Westpac), the estate must allow for these debts to be repaid before disbursing any funds to the beneficiaries.

However if the estate is insolvent, then creditors will need to accept a partial payment (if the estate has some assets) or will need to forgive the debt altogether (if the estate has no assets).

Find out more about Deceased Estates.