Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in California

Re: Am I responsible for paying for my fathers debts after he is gone?

If you are not the guarantor, then debtors will look first to your father and his estate. Be careful of what you direct third parties to do during this time, because if you are acting as your father's agent or attorney in fact, then they may later look to you on the debt since you made the purchase.

That said, there is a whole areas of law built up around preserving estates (e.g., "Medicaid Planning") and helping people strategically deal with these issues. Further, there are many resources to help of which you and your family may not be aware (from veteran's benefits to state and local resources). Please contact me directly if you would like to ensure your father's debts remain his, preserve assets, do some estate planning (for you and/or your father), and/or to obtain assistance with getting your father qualified for benefits.

Re: Am I responsible for paying for my fathers debts after he is gone?

Despite what some collections agents may tell you, only your father and his assets would be responsible for paying the debt.

However, be careful in what you sign, in that some providers may ask you to admit you are the "financially responsible" party, and then you would be liable for those debts.