Joint liability
If the person who died had a debt which is joint and several, the other person listed in the agreement can be pursued for the full amount owing – eg, council tax debt. This is also the case if the person who died took out a joint personal loan or where someone acted as the guarantor for the loan. Utility companies may argue that others living in the deceased’s home were beneficial users and should pay the debt, but this is not correct and should be challenged. Seek expert advice on this.