uncles debts after death

[carderone]

Hi,

I am supporting my aunt following the death of my uncle ( they have no kids).

He passed away prematurely aged 68 about 7 weeks ago. At the time of his death he had about 10k of debt, spread across 3 credit cards. He also had a small loan balance of about 3k outstanding.

Their house is paid off, however I have learnt that as joint tenants, his half of the house automatically transfers to my aunt, without it forming part of his estate. He had no savings in his name and no other assets other that a few hundred quid in his current account.

What happens to the debts in these circumstances?

Debts aren't inherited they are paid by the estate AFAIK. So if there is no estate then I assume they will be written off. It sounds like the debt wasn't secured against the house?

All unsecured. There won't be any estate. My aunt has savings in her name, but I don't think that this counts

When we sorted my father's "estate" there were debts but only in his name. Mum inherited his half of the house and the debts were written off as there was no other money to pay them.