Must a family settle a deceased person's debt claimed by people who have no proof and whose claims are doubtful?

Summary

A deceased person's debts, whether written or verbal, must be paid from the estate before bequests and the distribution of inheritance. However, if a claim is doubtful and the claimant cannot produce evidence or qualified witnesses, the family is not responsible for paying it, based on the principle that a person is presumed free of obligation and the burden of proof lies on the claimant. If the claimant has clear evidence and qualified witnesses, the debt must be paid from the estate even if the claimant is a drug addict. Where legal proceedings are involved, proper procedure takes priority.

Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.