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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
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    2

    Question Will Marriage Make You Responsible for a Spouse's Debts and Medical Bills

    I live in Florida and have been dating a widower with no children, whom has been told recently that he has a cancer and was given 6 months to live. He wants me to marry him now and says that he will leave me his modest house, or put me on the deed, (which is maxed out mortgage wise but his life insurance policy that he will make be beneficiary of will pay it off and then some.). He has no health insurance. If he accrues a medical debt, will I be responsible for it? How about credit card debt? I have no real large assets but no debt and have raised 5 children. I love him and would not mind taking care of him, but I don't want to unwittingly invite financial disaster. Any advice?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
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    98,846

    Default Re: Is this marriage proposal safe?

    Marriage could affect his eligibility for whatever government benefits he presently receives, such as Medicaid or SSI. I don't believe that you would be liable for any medical care he incurs, unless you contract with the provider to cover the cost, but his estate would be liable and it may be possible for the provider to make a claim against his assets.

    It sounds like his only real asset is a life insurance policy, and unless that's directly tied to his mortgage he can make you a beneficiary of that policy without having those funds go through his estate.

    I would suggest consulting an estate planning lawyer about the wisdom of getting legally married at this time, as well as getting estate planning documents, powers of attorney, advance directives, living wills, etc., drafted - if he's terminally ill, you will benefit from having those documents in place - so you don't get any surprises. Some people in similar circumstances choose to marry in a church ceremony, but not "legally marry" by obtaining a marriage license and returning it to the state, such that they can feel married in the eyes of God but not have to deal with the consequences of marriage in terms of their eligibility for public benefits or when it comes to the distribution of their estates.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Posts
    2

    Default Re: Is this marriage proposal safe?

    Thank you sooo much. Are you for hire??

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: Is this marriage proposal safe?

    Not in Florida. Try the NAELA directory or AAEPA directory.

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