Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Virginia

Is the executor of the estate responsible for repayment of medical bills?

My mother passed away last March, leaving $72,000 worth of medical bills. The bills began to arrive about a month after her death. I did not pay them because I was not sure how I would. The estate was closed, and all of her money given to me. Someone told me that I am not responsible for repayment, because the estate has been closed. I feel as though legally I would be responsible because I was aware of the debt before the estate closed. HelP!


Asked on 8/22/08, 2:37 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Is the executor of the estate responsible for repayment of medical bills?

The estate should've remained open for a reasonably sufficient time for creditors to submit claims and if there were funds in the estate to pay at least some of these claims, they should've been paid first before any distributions were made to designated beneficiaries(including you).

Since you were aware of these outstanding bills/claims and apparently were the executor or administrator of the estate, one or more of these unpaid creditors may now have a basis to sue you for their still unpaid claims incurred by your now deceased mother.

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Answered on 8/23/08, 1:11 pm


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