Responsibility for deceased med bills

[yankee1865]

What is the name of your state? Indiana

My question has to do with a relative here in Indiana, whose brother passed away in Missouri. Collectors are contacting her to try to obtain payment for his medical bills. In Indiana, only the spouse of the deceased can be considered legally responsible for the deceased's med debts. Is it the same in Missouri, or can collectors consider any family member as the debtor? Thanks very much.

Henry

[debtcollector`]

Who is handling the estate?

[yankee1865]

Well, there was no estate created. He had few assets and left no will.

Henry

[debtcollector`]

Originally Posted by yankee1865

Well, there was no estate created. He had few assets and left no will.

Henry

The few assets have to be liquidated to pay his creditors.

DC

[yankee1865]

Thanks for your reply DC, but my relative does not hold any of her deceased brother's assets. He had a car and the payments were taken over by a friend. As far as attempting to collect from my relative, it seems to me the collectors hold no legal leverage.



Henry

[Ladynred]

Relatives of the deceased are NOT liable for the deceased's debts - unless it is a spouse and the law makes it the spouse's liability.

Debts of the deceased are paid out of their estate thru probate. If there is no estate, and probate is NOT required (it isn't in all states or for every estate), then creditors get nothing. Your relative might want to check with a Probate lawyer in your state.

[yankee1865]

Thank you. I will relay that message to her, and she can decide what to do.


Henry