If an estate doesn't have enough money or other assets to pay off debts, the debts could go unpaid rather than being passed on to anyone else. Secured debts, such as mortgages or car loans Funeral costs Fees and costs of handling the estate Taxes Medical debt Unsecured debts, such as credit card debt A note about debt collectors A note about debt collectors The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) is a federal law that limits and governs debt collection practices.