Need advice on handling personal situation

[Paul Granneman]

Recently a family member passed away without a will. This family member has a normal 3/2 SFH in an un-remarkable neighborhood. The surviving family members have agreed to make me the owner of the house. We have contacted an Estate Attorney and he has assured us that settling our passed family members affairs will not be a problem. The house has a first and second mortgage on it, the total amount of this debt is $140K, the appraised value from the local county assessor was $189K. I plan to continue paying the mortgages and bills for this house. Anyone have an idea what happens when the mortgage company finds out my relative has passed away? I do not have the money for a downpayment to "buy" the house in the normal manner. I have plenty of income to cover the bills and mortgages. Is it possible for me to "assume" the current mortgage and continue making the regular payments? Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated. I know I have left dozens of questions unanswered, please forgive me this is my first post.