When someone dies, their debts are settled from their estate (property, savings and possessions) before anything is distributed to beneficiaries. If the estate can't cover the debts, they die with the person — unrecovered creditors go unpaid.
You only become personally liable for a deceased person's debts if you were a joint account holder, a guarantor, or you took on the debt yourself. You are not liable simply for being a spouse, partner or next of kin.
Never make personal payments toward a deceased relative's debts to 'keep the peace' with a collector. Ask for proof, refer to the executor, and get probate guidance if the estate is complex or insolvent.
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