First, do you have any authority (such as joint signatures on accounts) to pay her bills? That to me would be the first consideration, to keep payments current.
Second, was she intubated b/c of the virus, or for some other reason? If the latter, what's her prognosis?
Unfortunately, she can't properly execute any documents in her current condition. But you can try an alternate route: Contact her creditors re her monthly bills and simply explain that she's currently unable to manage her finances b/c of illness and you want to ensure that the bills are paid. Then ask for suggestions.
Sometimes creditors will ask for proof of ID and relationship, such as a birth certificate. I've been surprised about some of the documentation requested.
Sometimes they'll kick the issue around the office and you'll never get a reliable response. If you don't, just to CYA, write or e-mail a letter confirming that you're attempting to keep accounts current but haven't been able to identify ways that this particular company can assist you in doing so.
It kind of shifts the burden to them, but it could also be a stimulant for them to find an answer.
The other big question is whether or not you have adequate finances to pay her bills while she's recovering.
It might not be possible, but, you might take the healthcare POA to an attorney and have them review it. Sometimes, a healthcare POA contains specific provisions that appoint the agent to handle certain other matters too. An attorney can check on that or advise you on other options,
1st off, I am so sorry that you are going through this, she is so young.
When you are ventilated, it is my understanding that you are put in a medically induced coma, this would prevent her from being able to sign anything.
So you will have to contact her creditors and ask for extensions on payments due, even if you go for guardianship it takes time. You can talk to her case worker or the social worker at the hospital about how to apply for emergency guardianship.
Unfortunately you probably can’t. You are in Georgia. If your mother is on a ventilator she likely cannot voluntarily assign you POA and sign the documents. And you won’t be able to bring a notary in to the hospital to sign the document. You’ll probably have to seek guardianship/conservatorship through the courts.
In Australia you would need to be appointed by the civil administrator tribunal. Your best first step is to talk to a social worker at the hospital she is in. No need to pay a lawyer for advice until you’ve done that. In Australia you would not need a lawyer- except maybe if other family are opposed to it. A doctor would need to certify that she is temporarily incapacitated. If family don’t agree but someone still needs to pay her bills, the tribunal appoints an independent advocate. Good luck!
Second, was she intubated b/c of the virus, or for some other reason? If the latter, what's her prognosis?
Unfortunately, she can't properly execute any documents in her current condition. But you can try an alternate route: Contact her creditors re her monthly bills and simply explain that she's currently unable to manage her finances b/c of illness and you want to ensure that the bills are paid. Then ask for suggestions.
Sometimes creditors will ask for proof of ID and relationship, such as a birth certificate. I've been surprised about some of the documentation requested.
Sometimes they'll kick the issue around the office and you'll never get a reliable response. If you don't, just to CYA, write or e-mail a letter confirming that you're attempting to keep accounts current but haven't been able to identify ways that this particular company can assist you in doing so.
It kind of shifts the burden to them, but it could also be a stimulant for them to find an answer.
The other big question is whether or not you have adequate finances to pay her bills while she's recovering.
When you are ventilated, it is my understanding that you are put in a medically induced coma, this would prevent her from being able to sign anything.
So you will have to contact her creditors and ask for extensions on payments due, even if you go for guardianship it takes time. You can talk to her case worker or the social worker at the hospital about how to apply for emergency guardianship.
What is her prognosis?