Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Michigan
Bills?
My dad died November 12, and we are now receiving bills in the mail, like some medical. A credit card company told me my mom is not responsible if the bill is in his name only. What is my mom responsible for?Can they sue her for his medical bills? He was on Medicare and VA insurance. They did not share insurance.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Bills?
No, your mother is not otherwise responsible for your father's medical bills if she did not co-sign or guarantee their payment. Your dad's estate is responsible for them so you need to check if he held any assets in his sole name or if any assets which were held jointly were held that way solely as an"accomodation" for your dad. Please feel free to contact my office if you need further information. John C. Talpos (http://www.Mich-Lawyer.com)
Re: Bills?
She should not be responsible for his medical bills unless she co-signed or otherwise guaranteed them. They should pursue his estate, if he had assets in his name alone. If there is no estate, submit them to medicare and the VA for payment of their portion (if this has not already been done), then tell them he had no probateable assets if the want her to pay the rest. Just because she is not liable, does not mean they won't try to collect, by sending her the bill.
If your mother needs an estate plan, I do that too!
Good Luck
Pat Prince