Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Pennsylvania

Spouse has hugh hospital bills

My spouse has many health problems with no health insurance. He owes $30,000 in hospital bills alone and needs to go back into the hospital.....He gets notices every day concerning the payments on his bills, which we can not afford............my question is this....we do not own very much items ....He owns his car....I own mine (each car is in our own name) and we have our house hold furniture (we do not own a home, but rent)....if someone decides to sue him for the money, can they put a judgement on our personal furniture that we share together?

Thank you


Asked on 5/27/03, 8:23 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Matthew Nahrgang Nahrgang & Associates, P.C.

Re: Spouse has hugh hospital bills

There is a little known section of the Domestic Relations Code which provides that a spouse can be held liable for a spouse's debt regarding necessaries. One case involved a dentist bill. Therefore, it is possible these providers can sue you, as well. Even if they do not do so, a judgment will effect your ability to obtain major credit such as a mortgage or car loan as any lender will want to see the debt dealt with. Otherwise, their collateral could be at risk.

In your situation, a bankruptcy makes the most sense. You should consult with an attorney as soon as possible to take advantage of the law before any change.

Feel free to call or E-mail me on a free initial basis as I handle many cases in the Bucks and Lehigh County areas.

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Answered on 5/28/03, 10:18 am


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