I've seen many public notices in the newspaper stating that so-and-so died,
and all creditors must submit a claim to the initiator of the estate's
address by such and such date or their claims would become null and void. I
don't know if that's just a Michigan thing, or maybe even just a lie / rumor
that some people believed enough to waste money on the newspaper ad. But, it
seems reasonable.

If I were in the position of having to deal the accounts of a late member of
my family, I would probably handle it first by explaining the situation to
the company and asking what their policy is. Or, if it is a company that I
absolutely hate dealing with, I just might be tempted to sumbit the grave
yard's street address as an updated billing address. Hehehe...

-Jeff

The debts are still binding upon the estate of the deceased.

Most businesses are decent enough that they would most likely waive any claims
in such small amounts. When I was in college, I worked in a video rental store
(yes, we rented Beta back then!) and I was working on evening when this lady
brought in 4 videos that were like 12 days past due and when the charges came
up to a rather high amount she asked if she could pay half now and bring half
back later. She then explained that the account was her fathers and he had
rented the movies and then died of a sudden heart attack the next day without
even having watched them and she also asked that I close out his account. I
promptly handed her back her money and said "no charge" and closed the account.
I would have felt like a f.cking jerk to have done anything different. I
figured that, if the boss said anything, I would pay the money myself and when
I told the boss she was in fact happy at the way I handled it even if I broke
policy (no freebies or refunds without the manger's approval).

Out of curiosity, how do you know this?

Tom Veldhouse

I had to send a death certificate for my son 2 years age.  I can't remember
the provider.  Maybe Verizon.

True, but I've heard that if you don't pay your bill or any EFT due in
full upon death, there MAY be some delay in porting your soul from
Earth to the afterlife...