This estate account is separate from your personal accounts, so there is no fear of a money mixup. Why do I need an estate account?Paying my dads debt with the estate bank account. The filing fee is based on the dollar value of the estate. This individual is legally appointed to carry out the wishes in the deceased person's Will or manage the estate when there is no will. Thankfully, having bad credit does not disqualify you from obtaining a probate advance. Generally, if you have bad credit, you will NOT be allowed to act as the administrator of the estate of parent or loved one. One of your first tasks is to notify creditors, banks and other entities of the death. You are not personally liable for the debt, the bank can only look to parent's estates for payment, or to the house which was put up as collateral for the loan. Have you named a beneficiary on your bank accounts?