What is my mother responsible for in terms of my late father’s medical bills?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
What is my mother responsible for in terms of my late father’s medical bills?
Asked on April 2, 2016 under Estate Planning, Pennsylvania
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
My reaserch suggests that PA still follows what was called under common law, the "doctrine of necessities". Pursuant to this doctrine, a spouse is liable for any and all "necessary" expenses incurred by their spouse. And medical expenses are deemed to be such expenses. Accordingly, to the extent that such debts remain after your father's estate is administered, your mother will be liable for his doctor, hospital and like expenses. At this point, to be certain of her rights, your mother should consult directly with an attorney in her area; they can best advise her further.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.