My Father passed away back on August 2nd 2006 and I was wondering...?

Question

What should my Mother should do about all of the unpaid bills? Mostly from the hospital, and doctors. And now there going to collection agencies. The bills our in his name, I guess they think he is still alive, or are we as his family suppose to pay them all off, there like thousands of dollars from the doctors that failed to keep him alive. With my dad gone there is no way my Mother can afford to pay all that stuff, my dad made most of the money. Should she just ignore them?

Answer 1

I'm a nurse. I'm so sorry for you loss. I would inform them he is no longer with us and they should cancel the debts.

Answer 2

There are some depts that your father had that may fall on your mother. I know when my husbands stepfather's late wife passed away, he was responsible for some of the bills. I am unsure which your mother will be responsible for, but it is not likely going to be the hospital bill.

You should not be worrying about such things, you are in grief but I applaud you for feeling your mother's pain, she needs you so desparately right now and you her you are being good and supportive. Sorry for your loss, I have lost many in the past ten years, loosing someone so close to you to death is not easy. I hope you find your answers.

Answer 3

The estate (whatever resources your dad left) is supposed to take care of his remaining bills; as spouse your mom is jointly responsible for some of them. You may be able to obtain relief through court procedures but this may adversely affect her credit rating. Generally children and other relatives have no legal liability for the bills of the deceased, unless (for example) you co-signed a loan for him.

Best to consult with an attorney at this point, especially if you (well, your mom) intend to contest the medical bills on the grounds of alleged negligence.

Answer 4

all of his bills get paid from his estate. That means anything he owns has to be sold to pay those bills.
Your mother I think is responsible for them. But you kids are not. You mother should maybe check with title 19 or some type of state aid they will inform her.

Answer 5

Sadly, the bills are all due, and your mom is the responsible party. That's one of the things life insurance is for, to pay of one's "final debts." She can talk to the offices who send the bills, try to get them reduced or work out a payment plan. But she shouldn't ignore them.

Answer 6

Medical bills are different from any others. As long as you pay something a month ($1-$2-$5 a mo) they can't touch you

Answer 7

First of all, sorry for your loss. She needs to get the death certificate and send out copies to all of the agencies attempting to contact your father, that is the only way to fully ensure their cease of contact. Once their receive the death certificate they will write off the unpaid balance.

Answer 8

i wouldn't waste time worrying about old medical bills there is not a whole lot that will happen over a medical bill i would be more concerned with your necessary bills especially under your circumstances sorry to hear about your dad

Answer 9

You or your mother can try and contact the bill collectors and tell them he has passed away and he was the one that brought in most of the family income. (Or just ignore them all together.)

Answer 10

His bills get paid out of his estate. If his estate can not afford to pay the bills, they do not get transfered to children, etc.


Not sure about spouses, though.

Answer 11

Hi Randy,

I am sorry for your loss! It is tragic.
Find something called Legal Aid. It is free. Let them know the situation. Your mom may have to file bankruptcy. but talk to someone. Help her all you can.