Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Missouri
Liability of Spouse
In the state of Missouri, is the surviving spouse responsible for medical debts of the family?
Is their a website that might address this issue for all the states individually?
Thank you,
Brent
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Liability of Spouse
Debts of a decendent are paid from his/her estate. Then a probate issue lies. Unless other arrangements were made upon receipt of medical care, the cost of such care generally is a personal contract/debt. Contact an attorney in your state for guidance.
Re: Liability of Spouse
Unless the spouse signed as the "guarantor" on the hospital admission, the spouse is not personally liable for the final medical expenses of the decedent. The personal representative of the decedent is appointed by the probate court to administer the estate, and the estate is the proper party to pay the final expenses.