Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Florida
next of kin responsibilities
my father is in a long term care facility in Florida, Then facility sent me consent papers to complete, by signing will this make me financily responsible of his bills?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: next of kin responsibilities
Without reading the document, I cannot answer your question. However, if there is nothing about assuming any financial responsibility or acting as guarantor of the charges, you should have none. If you can FAX me the form, I can verify this. This is a response to an Internet question and the reply is not intended to be legal advice or as creating an attorney-client relationship. Missing facts could result in a different response.
Re: next of kin responsibilities
The document you describe may be similar to a hospital admission. Without reading no legal opinion is available. However it is always advisable not to sign such document unless you are signing as Power of Attorney, Attorney in fact for the party requiring services. and it must say so and be signed as such if you are POA. If not a POA then the person being admitted should sign to prevent the signer from being financially responsible which is what happens when you sign someone into the hospital. The document you have is a contract and should be treated as one. Have it reviewed by competent counsel to determine the signers responsibilities or waiver thereof.
Re: next of kin responsibilities
THe answer to this question you should probably know if you have done any elder care/medicare planning-if not you should start now-if you would like me to assist you in reviewing this document or estate/elderlaw planning call me a my office or send me an e-mail.