A friend of mine's wife passed away from cancer. They are now wanting him to pay her medical expenses. Is he responsible legally for these and what is the legal presidence for this?
2006-10-06 08:40:15 · 21 answers · asked by Deb P 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Other - Family & Relationships
This is a matter of state law, but in most states, the spouse is responsible for the other spouse's medical bills if they were incurred during the marriage. It is a difficult situation, but he is definitely responsible and should pay the bills.
2006-10-07 14:11:01 · answer #1 · answered by J B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The legal term "husband" means that he has taken "responsibility" for his "wife". If she incurred expenses then yes he is going to have to pay, unless he 1. declares bankruptcy or 2. applies for a compassion eradication of the bill.
2006-10-06 08:43:13 · answer #2 · answered by doc 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Of course he's responsible, just like his wife would of been if he'd died!!
IF he's low income, and hasn't alot of money, have him ask the hospital for a "charity care application". IF he has the bucks to pay, then I'm affraid he's stuck with it hanging over his head.
That's when "life insurance" is important for couples to buy.
We can't always be prepared.
2006-10-06 08:44:01 · answer #3 · answered by peggin_beast 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sadly to say but it is the man responsibility. Unfortunately, if the tables were turned she wouldn't have to pay but he does. All I can say is set up payment plans and go from there. My father in law had to do the same for his wife. She died from the same thing.
2006-10-06 08:44:19 · answer #4 · answered by jetta 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it is merely a matter of economics, perhaps no.
If it is merely a matter of legality, check with a lawyer.
If it is merely a matter of ethics, then YES.
It is all of those things.
Put them together, and yes, do pay. Set up a payment plan with the medical facilitys thru the lawyer; they can discount and give a minimal amount to pay. They will work with him.
No chapter 11 or 13 - writing it off as debt. That's one of the reasons why ALL of us are paying higher medical premiums.
Compromise. Budget. Payoff.
2006-10-06 08:42:59 · answer #5 · answered by YRofTexas 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Yes, when you got married your bills became his bills and his bills became yours. Everything is equal he is defintely responsible for paying the medical expense bills.
2006-10-06 09:01:33 · answer #6 · answered by Lina 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
at the same time as my father exceeded in 2002, my mom did not pay all his medical costs. i do not recognize if it really is determined by skill of what State you stay in or no longer. They were in Florida. (His medical insurance paid them, and the the relax became written off).
2016-11-26 21:32:58 · answer #7 · answered by seeger 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was his SPOUSE ! WIFE! Of course he is liable. The legal presidence is it has always been like that, includes your children. Good grief!
2006-10-06 08:43:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
ethically he is reponsible, legally he is not, but how do
you think he can give her a respectfull goodbye without
receiving her body from the hosp. so he has to pay
2006-10-06 08:44:41 · answer #9 · answered by michel s 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are not required, but it is normally assumed that she will. They take up joint responsibility for the bills when they get married.
2006-10-06 08:41:34 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋