How do I pay Medical bills left from a passed away parent?

Question

My family has just suffered a Great loss of our Mother in April 2007. We have incurred many burdening bills from our loss - ranging from the Funeral costs to remaining Medical care and Hospital Bills, to now home bills that have been left. We do not want to sell our remaining house, but have bills piling up. Can someone help us with financial help support with donations or assistant to find available funds to pay these awaiting bills?

Answer 1

Tell the hospital, funeral home, doctors and pharmacy what the situation is in a nut shell there is no money. Many times they will write off what you owe them or decrease it considerably. You might be able to declare bankruptcy and save the house. Check with an attorney.

Answer 2

Did she have any insurance or savings that was left to anyone? Did she receive social security? If so then set up an estate account and pay the bills that way. Sadly whoever is in charge of her estate is responsible for the bills. You may be able to get a loan. Try your bank.

Answer 3

The attorney handling the estate should be given all debts and assets to handle. Each creditor must submit a proof of claim in order to collect the debt from the estate. I would advise you to not pay these debts out of YOUR pocket, they are not your responsibility. The court will look at the debts vs. the assets to decide IF they get paid or how much they get paid.

It is possible that the court would order the house sold to pay the debts. In that case you would have to weigh your interests in the house vs. the debts to see if it is in your best interest to pay the debt out of your pocket to avoid the sale and keep the house in the family.

Legal issues are hard to answer with 100% certainty unless all the facts are known so honestly advice from an attorney is really your best bet.

Sorry for your loss. Good luck to you and your family in handling these matters.

Answer 4

I am confused.

When your mother died, most every bill under her named died right along with her.

Medical Bills under her name? Call the folks behind those bills and fax a copy of her death certificate.

Hospital Bills under her name? Call the hospital up and fax a copy of her death certificate.

Credit under her name? Again, call the folks up and fax a copy of the death certificate.

With what you are saying about her house is a tough one. Was the house paid off? Are you a minor? I do not understand this bit with the house at all. You might need to call the mortgage company on that one. Or better yet, a lawyer.

If you are a minor, then speak with your elders about this whole matter please.

Answer 5

Medical and hospital bills should be paid by the estate. If there was no estate, you are not obligated to pay those bills. Funeral costs you have to pay.

Answer 6

I agree with the others if you did not have power of attorney over your mothers medical bill or anthing else then you owe nothing

May God Bless and strengthen you and your family at a time like this

Answer 7

I don't know about the other bills, But the Funeral Bill if you signed the contract you are responsible for that one.

Answer 8

Whoa! Unless you or someone else guaranteed payment ,All bills should go thru the executor of the estate.
You need a lawyer.

Answer 9

You are not responsible for those bills, your mother's estate is. If there are not enough assets in her estate to pay the bills, the creditors will be the losers, not you.

My condolences on your loss.

Answer 10

Why should you pay their bills. You need a good lawyer to handle this mess.