Palisades, NY Estate Planning Law Firms & Lawyers

It depends. You need to be more specific. This information is only intended to give general information in response to an inquiry. It does not establish an attorney client relationship. This response is only based upon the limited facts presented and is merely intended to assist you in determining if you should contact an attorney to provide you with legal advice.

A will should not be notarized. Either it must be COMPLETELY in her own handwriting, signed and dated, or she can use a form and sign it in the presence of two witnesses who are not related to her or to any beneficiary under the will.

The answer to your question is rather complicated. Generally, unless you are contractually obligated, a joint debtor or co-signor you are not responsible for your deceased husband's debts. If your husband died with assets (money or property), then his estate may be responsible for the debts. The executor or administrator of the estate will need to negotiate and pay your husband's debts to the extent that there are sufficient assets to pay. If your husband died with no assets, then the debts do not get paid. However, medical creditors may seek to hold you liable under the doctrine of "medical necessaries." In order to do so, a creditor must show that the services were rendered based upon your credit. In addition, the creditor must show that the amounts alleged to be owed are commensurate with your means. I suggest that you seek out the advice of an attorney for a more detailed examination of your particular circumstances.