You are correct about the debt and the parent post clearly knows that, having lived through it'l. However the further point being that any assets that had accumulated with the intention of leaving them to the family, and which they relied on, would have been in jeapordy if they hit probate. If he owned a businessnor a house I'm not sure of the rules, but definitely savings, other assets etc. would be up for grabs.

The rules vary by state and can change depending on if a written will exists.

Parents, talk to an attorney while you're healthy. Some of the states have rules that will surprise you.

I'm not sure how many people know that though, and the moment you make a payment towards that bill it's legally your debt.

Bear in mind, this can happen to people that have a spouse and underage children. Spouse is decimated, children no longer have any help with collage (assuming they did before that). The family can be left destitute.

true but what of inheritance? I suppose thats what life insurance policies are for.

OP said the father had no assets, so there was no inheritance forthcoming.

If that had happened to my parents, my sibling who lives with them would have lost their home and had to move in with me. Just because OP's situation was different doesn't make that good.