Am I responsible for my 20 year old deceased daughter’s medical bills?
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Am I responsible for my 20 year old deceased daughter’s medical bills?
When my daughter was a minor, I signed at the dermatologist’s office as the responsible party. She had a procedure performed 10 months ago and had an outstanding balance when she passed away. I sent a copy of the death certificate with the bills back to all of the doctors. The dermatologist transferred the debt to my name and then sent me a bill for the debt my daughter had incurred. What should I do?
Asked on October 29, 2011 under Bankruptcy Law, South Carolina
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
If your deceased daughter incurred medical bills when she was an adult you are not legally responsible for these bills unless you expressly signed a document stating that you would be.
The document that you signed when she was a minor does not count as a legally binding document as to you for medical bills incurred when she was an adult. I suggest that you contact the dermatologist's office about the last bill sent you stating you are not responsible for it and follow up with a letter to that effect. Keep a copy of this letter for future need.
Good luck.
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