Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania
My father-in-law passed away recently - am i responsible for his financial debt to the nursing home, ambulance service etc. he was living with me prior to his recent illness which put him into the nursing home. he received social security benefits and a small pension. the little money he had in his savings account was used for his funeral expenses. he also has a $5000 insurance policy.
1 Answer from Attorneys
I am sorry for your loss.
The answer is it depends. Did you sign something at the nursing home and agree to be responsible for the debt? If the answer is no, then you are off the hook. The beneficiary of the life insurance policy, can do what he/she wants with the money. They are not obligated to pay the nursing home unless the money went to a trust or will and the trust or will provided for that.
Did you seek to probate an estate for your father? You may want to see if probate is necessary. If it is, then the nursing home has to file a claim with your father's estate. If probate is not necessary, then I suggest that you send the nursing home a certified letter. Advise them that your father passed away and that there are no assets in his estate that would justify probate.
If you somehow agreed to be personally responsible, then and only then will you have to pay. In that case, try to work a deal with the nursing home. Maybe you can use the insurance money if you are a beneficiary of the policy.
If you would like further assistance with this matter, feel free to con tact me.
Rachel Hunter
Attorney at Law
(678)-687-9693
Admitted in GA, PA & NC
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