Am I responsibe for deceased spouse medical debt?
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Am I responsibe for deceased spouse medical debt?
Spouse passed away and left 12k in medical bills.
Asked on August 15, 2017 under Estate Planning, Colorado
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
Yes, you are. While typically a debt is only the responsibility of the spouse who incurred it, under something known as the "famiy purpose doctrine", expenses of the family are the legal obligations of both a husband and wife, regardless of whose debt it was. This includes medical bills.
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
Yes, you are. While typically a debt is only the responsibility of the spouse who incurred it, under something known as the "famiy purpose doctrine", expenses of the family are the legal obligations of both a husband and wife, regardless of whose debt it was. This includes medical bills.
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