Do I have to pay all medical bills of my deceased mother-in-law?

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Do I have to pay all medical bills of my deceased mother-in-law?

She passed away and her house is joint tenancy with my husband. She has outstanding medical bills more than $20,000 but I paid off credit card bill and all phone bill. However I heard that I’m not responsible for my mother’s bills unless co-signed or guaranteed them. Is that true, even if the house is jointly owned?

Asked on August 24, 2012 under Estate Planning, Hawaii

Answers:

MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

Correct. You are not responsible for your mother in law's bills. Further, in a joint tenancy, upon the death of one joint tenant, your husband automatically gets the house.  Now,if it is subject to a mortgage loan, the issue will be if your husband is also on the loan or if your husband will decide whether to refinance in your name and his.  Either way, once he has it, he should quit claim it into both of your names.


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