My father passed away and had money in the checking account were I was listed also on the account. It is my understanding that upon his death I become the sole owner of the account and he therefore has no assets. He had a lot of bills he didn't pay and I was wondering if I am liable to pay off his debts. I am the executor of his estate and my name was not on any of the bills. He didn't own any property or have any other assets but there will be money coming from a couple of insurance claims for his beneficiaries.

What State? It varies.

You say you are the executor/executrix. Has the Will been admitted to probate?

He had a will but everything was taken care of 10 years ago as far as property. He transferred everything into mine and my brothers names so they had no assests from that time on. There was nothing to probate. He just had my name listed on his checking account, which I never used until after his death.

State of Wisconsin

It depends on how your name was listed on the account. If you were joint tenants with right of survivorship, then yes, the balance passed to you outside his estate and is not subject to his creditors. However, if it was not with right of survivorship, then it may be part of his estate and must be used to pay bill.

Insurance payments go direct to the beneficiary outside the estate.