Legal Question in Family Law in California

How a wife separated from husband (not legally) be held accountable for his hosp

I've been separated from my husband for over 7 years but he has never changed his address. I have 5 dependents which he pays no support. In Oct '99 he ran up a 1700 hospital bill which was mailed to my address. A collection agency began calling and I began making monthly payments. By June 2000, the bill was over half paid and I received a summons stating that the bill was 719 and the patient lived at my address and had not made any payments on the bill and now they will put a lien on my house unless the remainder is paid. My biggest fear is losing my house because his name is on the deed. I am also afraid that the state will try to do the same because of back child support he owes (to me) and the state. I do not know where he resides but I do know he is on disability so can I lose my home because he is on the deed?


Asked on 7/20/00, 6:17 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jed Somit Jed Somit, Attorney at Law

Re: How a wife separated from husband (not legally) be held accountable for his

You ask several questions. First, you should not be resonsible

for his hospital debt. You probably never should have started making payments.

Yes, it is possible to lose a house to a co-owner's debt, but it won't happen

very quickly and you may be able to protect yourself. It may also not be possible due to exemptions from

execution.

Why is your husband still on title if you have been separated for 7 years?

I would think the State will not force a sale of his share of the house, in which you live, to collect

support due to you.

You should get an appointment with an attorney who can look at your specific

situation.

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Answered on 9/11/00, 8:43 pm


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