I've known others with similar problems with relatives who passed away. What I don't understand is why anybody goes through all this trouble.

Step 1 - fully probate the will and lock that up tight.

Step 2 - Just send a note explaining that they're dead, and if convenient attach the death certificate. I'm not sure that relatives even have an obligation to do that.

If DirecTV keeps the service turned on then don't pay any bills. The only person with a contractual obligation to them is dead, and their estate has been dispersed. The most they could do is try to re-open the estate to try to go after the termination fee, and it isn't like any lawyer is going to look at that and think that it is worthwhile - especially if the executor can point to a polite letter giving notice of what happened with time to respond.

So far I have yet to hear of anybody successfully serving a summons on somebody in the afterlife, although I'm sure that some have tried...

Actually, after all these years, we are still trying to educate that "free" does not relate to the price.

As a real live girl I have to tell you that if you ever "let me win" at anything you're history, you patronizing remnant of the jock-cheerleader era! Which I guess is another way of saying, "every relationship is different because it's made up of different people." Trust yourself, your partner and God more than anyone else when it comes to what's right. On the other hand, if you happen to see/hear a piece of advice that seems relevant to you, don't dismiss it just because the social conventions behind it are outdated.

-Yeah, I know it's misspelled. Makes me stand out though, right?