Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri
Separated spouse liable for medical bills if deceased mate?
My parents were separated and split all their assets 50/50. Five years later my mother took her husband into her home to help him recover from scabies. He died 6 weeks later after two hospitalizations. One for heart failure and one for bleeding ulcers. He died of complications after the ulcer repair. Is my mother responsible for his last medical bills?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Separated spouse liable for medical bills if deceased mate?
If your mother was married at the time of her husband's death, then yes, she may be legally responsible for expenses incurred for his medical treatment. There is a specific statute in Missouri which deals with this situation. An attorney could look that statute up, interview your mother as to the facts, and provide legal advice concerning her legal rights and liabilities. If you do not already have an attorney, I would be happy to offer you a free telephone consultation.