Am I Responsible for My Husband's Debt?

[angel123]

My question involves collection proceedings in the State of: MO

My husband refuses to pay a hospital bill because the operation didn't correct his problem. Will his not paying ruin my credit rating and am I reponsible for his debt?
Thank you for your help.

[LawResearcherMissy]

My husband refuses to pay a hospital bill because the operation didn't correct his problem.

That's not a good reason to not pay the bill. Services were still rendered by more than just the surgeon who didn't get it right. He should consider consulting an attorney to see what his options are.

Will his not paying ruin my credit rating and am I reponsible for his debt?

No and no, but I would expect the deluge of dunning notices and collection calls to become quite stressful and annoying for you.

[aaron]

According to a recent case,

Under the doctrine of necessaries, a spouse may be held liable for necessary medical services provided to the other spouse if they maintain no separate assets. St. Luke's Episcopal-Presbyterian Hosp. v. Underwood, 957 S.W.2d 496, 499 (Mo.App. E.D. 1997).

Also, if you signed something stating that you were guaranteeing payment, they can pursue you as a matter of contract.

[Betty3]

Agree, Mo. is one state that still recognizes the "doctrine of necessaries" re medical debt for the other spouse.