Parents Separated for ~20 Years - Rights?

[amadison]

What is the name of your state? California

My parents have been separated for ~20 years. No legal court papers have ever been filed by either one of them. One day my father left and that was it. They have no property together but my father has sent my mother money every month since. They have lived in separate states for the entire time of the separation and my mother has never had but a PO box as an address for my father. They are both in their early 80's and my father is not in good health. My mother owns her own home and lives off of Social Security and what my father sends. If my father should pass away what could happen to my mother? Could she be liable for any medical expenses or any unpaid debt?What is the name of your state?

[LdiJ]

Originally Posted by amadison

What is the name of your state? California

My parents have been separated for ~20 years. No legal court papers have ever been filed by either one of them. One day my father left and that was it. They have no property together but my father has sent my mother money every month since. They have lived in separate states for the entire time of the separation and my mother has never had but a PO box as an address for my father. They are both in their early 80's and my father is not in good health. My mother owns her own home and lives off of Social Security and what my father sends. If my father should pass away what could happen to my mother? Could she be liable for any medical expenses or any unpaid debt?What is the name of your state?

What state does your father live in? If his state is not a community property state, then she won't be liable for his debts separate debts, but there may be some liability for unpaid medical bills. However, since they are still married she would have some claim on his assets as well.

[lwpat]

Conversely, he would have a claim on her assets if she dies first.