Who is responcible for the bills of a family member who is incapacitated?

My stepfather suffered a massive stroke on Friday the 13th - I have come to help my mother with his financial obligations. I am so confused! After going through his financial records we discovered obligations we knew about and many we didn't. He has a mortgage, a home equity loan, 4 credit cards, cell phone, plus all the regular utilities. He will survive but it his paralysis is so severe that he may never speak or walk again. My mother has always kept her finances seperate from my stepfather's. They file married but seperate. My mother can not afford to pay both his debts and hers. Is she reponcible for all of his financial obligations? If anyone can help me I would be so grateful.

If the mortgage and other bills are in his name only then she probably won't have to worry about them. However, you said he had a mortgage.. would that be on the house that they are living in? While his may be the only name on the loan, if the title is in both their names, it could create a problem. Any secured loan that he has in his name only will be dealt with by his creditors. If he has a car in his name and can't pay for it, the car will be repossessed.
He should get rid of the credit cards, cell phone, etc. He may be able to file bankruptcy but you wouldn't want that to affect their home.
Their best bet is to contact an attorney who can advise her on what to do.
Yahoo answers is not the best forum for good information. Get a lawyer.. and the sooner the better. If your step father cannot work again, then there are things that need to be taken care of. Your mother is your primary concern.
Good luck

You're welcome. I know that these things can be very difficult since I have been through it twice. Good luck. Report It