My mother passed awayand we need to knowif her ira needs to be used to pay off her credit card and other debts, or does it go directly to the beneficiary? She is from California if it makes a difference. Also if you could state some kind of documentation or web site it would be very helpful.

We also needed to know if there is an order of payments.


Thanks,
Keith

Yes there is a order of payments, and it will vary by state.

You are going to do best by hiring ( even by the hour for just advice) a local probate attorney. A hour or two asking a list of question, will be well worth the money.

An IRA goes directly to beneficiary stated on the IRA. The beneficiary then will have to abide by all the laws governing an IRA. It does not have to go to pay any bills. It is up to the beneficiary.