Q: My mom recently died with more debts than assets. Am I personally liable to pay all of my mom’s debts now?

A: No you are not! In California, the creditor’s of a decedent are paid first out of the decedent’s remaining assets before any distributions are made to heirs. In other words, although you won’t be receiving any inheritance from your mom’s estate, you will not have to personally pay any creditor’s out of your own pocket.