No will, little money, huge hospital bill

[kaiser]

What is the name of your state? Arizona

Father had checking and savings accounts which total about $9,000. My sisters name is also on account. He had no bills but before he died he was in the hospital and they performed a surgery to make death less painful. After medicare and Ins. unpaid portion of medical bills is $16,000 and doctor bill has not yet arrived. I am sure this has happen to lots of people. We can pay out all his money but what do we need to do to not have to pay the remainder of his bill? We do not want to go to probate court if it can be avioded. There is no property.

[BelizeBreeze]

Originally Posted by kaiser

What is the name of your state? Arizona

Father had checking and savings accounts which total about $9,000. My sisters name is also on account. He had no bills but before he died he was in the hospital and they performed a surgery to make death less painful. After medicare and Ins. unpaid portion of medical bills is $16,000 and doctor bill has not yet arrived. I am sure this has happen to lots of people. We can pay out all his money but what do we need to do to not have to pay the remainder of his bill? We do not want to go to probate court if it can be avioded. There is no property.

How exactly is your sister's name listed on the account?

[Zigner]

To take a step further - the reason for BB's question is that the $9k in the bank may not actually be part of the estate - so you wouldn't have to pay any of it out.

[kaiser]

She is listed as a cosigner on his checking account. The savings account was in both names.

[BelizeBreeze]

Originally Posted by kaiser

She is listed as a cosigner on his checking account. The savings account was in both names.

One more time and then I'm done. HOW EXACTLY are the names listed on the account. Call the bank and ask.

[kaiser]

The accounts are both Joint accounts. My sisters name is on the checks along with my fathers. My main concern is what we need to send the creditors once the money is gone? Some tell me to send a death ceritficate and a letter stating there is no money and that we cannot be responsible for the balance. Is that correct does it have to be a legal letter?

[fairisfair]

Originally Posted by kaiser

The accounts are both Joint accounts. My sisters name is on the checks along with my fathers. My main concern is what we need to send the creditors once the money is gone? Some tell me to send a death ceritficate and a letter stating there is no money and that we cannot be responsible for the balance. Is that correct does it have to be a legal letter?

I don't think BB is on right now. While you are waiting for him, do yourself a favor, don't pay any bills with the money in those two accounts.

[colourfastt]

Originally Posted by kaiser

The accounts are both Joint accounts. My sisters name is on the checks along with my fathers. My main concern is what we need to send the creditors once the money is gone? Some tell me to send a death ceritficate and a letter stating there is no money and that we cannot be responsible for the balance. Is that correct does it have to be a legal letter?

I'm going to give it a try. Is the account "joint tenants" or "joint tenants with right of surviorship"? If it's the first then the creditors may have a legitimate claim to the funds; if it's the second, then most likely not.