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submitted 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago) by Shadow79@piefed.social to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

Like this: the individual has a 10,000€ fine plus additional fees for avoiding it for a long time but there’s a catch, that person is deceased since their family has a death certificate proving he or she’s dead.

However, does that alone erase the unpaid fine from existence as it makes no sense to still go after the individual since they’re no longer alive and their relatives are not involved as it’s not on them.

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[-] the_riviera_kid@lemmy.world 27 points 2 weeks ago

After my dad died I immediately tossed every bill with his name on it and continued to do so until they stopped sending them. If they want to go after him for non-payment let them.

[-] FinjaminPoach@lemmy.world 2 points 2 weeks ago
[-] Angryhumanoid@fedinsfw.app 21 points 2 weeks ago

Depends on location, local regulations, type of fine, etc. Debt doesn't immediately fall off and it could depend on estate laws.

[-] SkaveRat@discuss.tchncs.de 15 points 2 weeks ago

There are countries where, if you accept the inheritance, you will also inherit any debt.

But the details are very depentent on the country and a lot of details that you will have to discuss with a lawyer

[-] palordrolap@fedia.io 11 points 2 weeks ago

There are instances where a creditor will have a claim on the deceased’s estate. For example, mortgages and car loans generally aren't written off when the named bill payer dies. (Edit: late correction. Payee is the creditor. Payer is the debtor. I think most people understood what I meant even with the wrong word. D'oh)

Other things will depend on how hard the creditor is willing to try to get the money they'd otherwise lose.

[-] Libb@piefed.social 10 points 2 weeks ago

Like mentioned it depends the law/country/situation. Best course of action would be to contact a lawyer, but this will cost money.

[-] trxxruraxvr@lemmy.world 10 points 2 weeks ago

As with all legal questions, it depends on the country.

[-] Rhynoplaz@lemmy.world 8 points 2 weeks ago

I'm guessing this will depend on your location.

[-] Zak@lemmy.world 7 points 2 weeks ago

Though it obviously varies by jurisdiction, the typical rule is that the dead person's debts have to be paid before their heirs can inherit their assets. If they didn't have significant assets then there is no remaining person or legal entity to collect the fine from. Modern legal systems do not hold family members responsible for fines owed by their dead relatives.

[-] chicken@lemmy.dbzer0.com 1 points 2 weeks ago

Sounds like a massive headache for whoever is in charge of their estate, needing to check with all the parts of the government they may have had outstanding fines with

[-] blarghly@lemmy.world 1 points 2 weeks ago

I mean, estate lawyers are a thing

[-] Zwuzelmaus@feddit.org 0 points 2 weeks ago

the typical rule is

No. Not typical. Never heard of.

[-] CmdrShepard49@sh.itjust.works 0 points 2 weeks ago

Its no different than when a company goes out of business. All their stuff is sold off and the money goes to all their creditors first before the owners get a dime.

[-] daniskarma@lemmy.dbzer0.com 7 points 2 weeks ago

Where I live any debt (fines are considered debt) of a deceased person become part of their inheritance.

The receivers of the inheritance must accept it whole or not at all. If they choose not to inherit then the values of the inheritance are used to paid the debt as much as possible, and only then the debt is extinguished

[-] Onomatopoeia@lemmy.cafe 1 points 2 weeks ago

Well, it's not my debt so I sure as hell ain't paying it.

[-] zxqwas@lemmy.world 1 points 2 weeks ago

Depends on where you live.

Generally Any debts would be paid from the estate. So if they owned anything of value it will be sold to pay for the debts before anything is inherited.

I'm not sure if fines count as debt where you live, here anything owed the state is the highest priority debt.

this post was submitted on 04 May 2026
39 points (93.3% liked)

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