Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Nevada

Mother's debts

My mother-in-law resides in Nevada while my wife and I live in California. She

recently suffered a stroke and, while coherent, is no longer able to sign her

name and speaks with difficulty. Her bank accounts are all in Nevada. She is

currently in some sort of tax trouble and has creditors trying to contact her. If

we are appointed Power of Attorney and/or guardianship or conservatorship, do

we in anyway become personally responsible for her tax debt and other debts

upon her death? What happens to these debts upon her death? We would like

to have access to her accounts and financial situation in order to straighten

things out and try to piece it all together. Please advise.


Asked on 6/01/06, 10:06 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

Re: Mother's debts

I am not licensed to practice law in Nevada. If your mother-in-law is not able to sign her name, but has her mental faculties about here, Nevada law might have ways for a witnessed power of attorney. Check with a Nevada attorney. Those who hold powers of attorney are called "attorneys-in-fact." In California, an attorney-in-fact is not personally liable for debts of the principal, although one would have to exercise reasonable care as a fiduciary to protect the assets, of course. Definitely ask the same questions of a NV attorney by reposting. Good luck!

Read more
Answered on 6/01/06, 11:17 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Credit, Debt and Collections Law questions and answers in Nevada