Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Wife is in a coma, divorce not finalized

I'm asking this question on behalf of a family friend. The wife went into the hospital for a routine procedure and is now in a coma state. The prognosis is not good at all. They were in the process of filling in the paperwork for a divorce (they are legally separated), but didn't finish before this happened. My question is where does the husband stand in regards to financial obligations? Thw wife pays for half the mortgage, has a car payment and other expenses. Is the husband now responsible for these payments since they are not legally divorced and he holds power of attorney? What legal action does he have to protect himself from becoming financially bankrupt. The wife currently has decent medical coverage but what will happen if she is in this state for a drawn out period of time. Any advice would be appreciated.


Asked on 9/29/08, 6:27 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Christopher Steuart IT Forensics, Inc.

Re: Wife is in a coma, divorce not finalized

If the parties are legally separated, either party may move to make the separation a dissolution after 180 days. Somebody should file for guardianship of your wife , you could file for it, but you should not seek to be the guardian, once a guardian is appointed you can notify the guardian that you want to make the separation a dissolution and the guardian can represent your wife's interests, in the alternative you could make a motion to have a GAL appointed for your wife before you move to convert to a dissolution of marriage.

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Answered on 9/30/08, 7:05 pm


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