Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Virginia

Debt collections of deceased remaining parent

In December 2006 my mother needed to be placed in a nursing home for proper care. I was her POA for several reasons even though she was not completely helpless. I signed the admittance papers for her because of her illness. However, I noted verbally and on the paperwork that by signing for her, I DID NOT personally accept financial responsibility for her expenses. My mother passed away in May and I paid all the bills possible from her acct. (I was also on that acct. for POA reasons) and once or twice from my own account to help as an emergency only. She had no assets, funds, estate, etc. other than her soc. sec. check which stopped upon her death in May. Prior to her death all but $30. mth went directly to the nursing home as directed by medicaid. I paid all debts I could until her funds were depleted to zero. Now the nursing home is claiming an additional $683. is still due on her account. I sent them a copy of her death cert. telling them there were no other funds. They are threatening to send the bill to collections. Can I be held responsible for this debt? I lost my job in March due to missed work time for her medical needs and now have no job or funds available.


Asked on 8/10/07, 7:47 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Debt collections of deceased remaining parent

No, you cannot be held responsible by the nursing home for your deceased mother's nursing home expenses which were chargeable either to medicaid or against your mother's estate(even if there were no assets).

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Answered on 8/12/07, 11:42 pm


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