Am I responsible for the accrued medical bills from my deceased spouse?

Question Details: We live in Maryland. My 91 year old husband just died recently. He has many unpaid medical bills. We have no assets and no money to cover them. Infact I live in a community for low income seniors. He had no will. Am I responsible for paying them? Should I continue to pay $5 a month for these bills or do I need not worry about the bills?

Asked 11/22/2009 under Wills, Trusts, Probate | 1338 View(s) | More Legal Topics

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Wills, Trusts, Probate Law Answers

Your husband's debts that you are not a privy to by way of contract are not yours to bear.  However, if your husband's estate went to you, the creditors are able to make a claim on the estate for the unpaid amounts.   In your situation I suggest that you stop paying for the meidcal bills.  the medical providers are likely going to turn the bills over to a collection agency who will cal you and you can say that the debtor is deceased and provide them with a death certificate so they stop calling.  to the extent that the medical provider obtains a judgment for some unknown reason against you, you may file for bankruptcy and dischage the entire debt without having to pay for any of the bill.

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