If there is no financial power of attorney, but there is a medical power of attorney, who pays the hospital bills?

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If there is no financial power of attorney, but there is a medical power of attorney, who pays the hospital bills?

The daughter with medical power of attorney or the spouse, if there is one? I have a non-existent, strained relationship with my father, last I was updated on his will I am still his medical power of attorney and did not name a finacial power of attorney. Since our relationship is strained and non-existent; I do not know if my father is legally married to the woman he is with.

Asked on May 12, 2015 under Estate Planning, Arizona

Answers:

M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 8 years ago | Contributor

I am so sorry for the situation.  I am a bit confused though.  Are you asking who is responsible to pay the bill or who is legally allowed to pay it on behalf of your dad?  I think that it is the latter.  You need to get up the curage to ask the legal questions of this woman and find out if they are married.  And you may need to move quickly and file for conservator of his accounts so that you can marshall any of his assets that need protecting.  You need to find out if he has a bank account and that account is joint with her.  Once you begin legal inquiry she may volunteer information to you.  Good luck.


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