Follow
Share

My mom had been battling cancer for 13 years health rapidly began to decline last 6 months
She didn’t accept the decline, now she is in hospice and wants her affairs in order. She has commercial medical insurance thru job she retired from. 
She had me find a P O A and wants me to change everything out of her name to mine to prevent it from being taking in probate court for medical bills. She owns her home and car paid off, and money in bank and credit union. Will a POA allow me to do these things? If I add my name to her account will that prevent them from taking her money ? Or is it best to start a new account? What do I need to do?

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Can you talk to an Elder Attorney who knows the laws in your state? Ask hospice for a referral or ask if they can guide you to free legal advice. As your mom is still legally competent, she can probably open and close accounts and change ownership of things like the car and house just by signing the proper paperwork. Someone just needs to tell you what that paperwork is and get it to her.

I do know that just adding your name to a bank account won't protect it from creditors. The money in a joint account is considered to be owned by both owners so it would still be considered to be your mom's.

I'm sorry you are losing your mom. It's good that she is trying to get her paperwork in order. Don't take advice from strangers on the internet on this topic. Go get someone who knows the laws in your state to answer your question.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report

She needs to pay her bills like everyone else. Why should she be any different than the millions of people who pay the bills they owe. That’s what assets are for.
Helpful Answer (4)
Report

Her bills won't be unreasonable if she has insurance, do the ethical thing and pay them.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Pay her medical bills out of her assets. Why is that an issue; meaning who do you think should pay her medical bills if she has the means to pay?
She won’t be eligible for Medicaid due to her assets so she’ll be responsible for the balance her insurance doesn’t cover.
Is your mother Medicare secondary?
If not enroll her if she is eligible. Was she a federal government retiree? I am wondering why she doesn’t have a supplemental insurance.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Don't add your name to her accounts. Get POA form from each each bank or brokerage firm. Many require their own forms.

Do not transfer deed on her house. If she should need medicaid it would be considered a gift and subject to medicaid penalty. If you have provided her medically necessary care, in her home, for a period of two years you may be eligible to have the house excluded from medicaid recovery.

Consult with an elder law attorney for laws in your state. NEVER comingle funds.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter