Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania

Power of Attorney when Deceased

I have been listed as the power of attorney for my mother to pay her bills while in the hospital. If she should die, will I be obligated to pay all outstanding balances on her past accounts since I have this power of attorney? My name is not listed on any of her bank accounts.


Asked on 5/27/02, 9:31 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

Re: Power of Attorney when Deceased

First of all, if your mother dies, your power will terminate. Powers of attorney terminate upon the death of the person giving them.

Second, your mother's obligations are hers. If she dies, her estate is responsible for her debts, to the extent that there are assets in the estate. The person responsible for administering the estate (if there is a will, the executor, if not, a relative who is appointed as administrator or personal representative) is responsible for determining what the assets and debts are, and for paying them in the order of priority as stated in the State Law governing estate administration.

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Answered on 5/28/02, 10:42 am


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