Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Texas
Are children responsible for deceased unpaid medical bills
The parent died 2 years ago and no money remains in her estate, due to the expense of caring for her, the deceased, in nursing homes and hospitals for several months.
Although the deceased's Medicare and supplementary insurance paid most expenses, the deceased's daughter and husband (he at his work)are enduring repeated contacts from a persitant, over-zealous bill collector for an alleged balance of medical services.
The bill collector is aggressively insisting on payment and is offering to accept payment of half the amount due.
Is the daughter legally responsible to pay this bill? As said, there are no funds in the estate. The daughter was the administrator of the deceased's estate and does have one sister.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Are children responsible for deceased unpaid medical bills
The daughter is not responsible for the debts of the estate, unless she took funds from the estate and made a distribution before paying off last debts (or as far as the funds would allow). She should write to the collector, disputing the debt, and informing the collector that if they don't stop, action may be taken under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Make sure to send the letter by certified mail, return receipt requested, and keep a copy of the letter, the certified mail chit, and the green return card, just in case.
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
