Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland
divorce
my husband and I have not been living together for 13 years, but are not legally seperated. am I responsible for his medical bills when he dies?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: divorce
Maryland does not have a "legal separation". If you are separated and have lived by an understanding regarding the terms of the separation, that is legally binding between the two of you. Unless you have signed as a responsible party for your husband's medical providers, you are not responsible for his medical bills, either now or if he dies. However, HE is responsible for the bills. Therefore, his estate (assets left after he dies) can be attached for the medical and other bills. Thus, you would inherit your share of his estate after the bills are paid (medical and other bills proven to be owing).
Re: divorce
Maryland does not have a "legal separation". If you are separated and have lived by an understanding regarding the terms of the separation, that is legally binding between the two of you. Unless you have signed as a responsible party for your husband's medical providers, you are not responsible for his medical bills, either now or if he dies. However, HE is responsible for the bills. Therefore, his estate (assets left after he dies) can be attached for the medical and other bills. Thus, you would inherit your share of his estate after the bills are paid (medical and other bills proven to be owing).