Texas Marriage / Medical Debt

Jurisdiction: 

Area of Law: 

Question: 

My boyfriend has Stage Iv cancer and we wanted to get married (planned before the cancer) he is worried that I will be burdened with the medical bills (if/when) he passes. How would that work if he does pass - in texas?

Selected Answer: 

Texas is a community property

Texas is a community property state. This means that all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are part of the marital estate and are the joint obligations of both spouses. All medical bills that your boyfriend incurs prior to marriage will be his personal debts. If he continues his treatment after you two are married, you may be liable for his medical expenses if he is unable to pay. However, you should discuss your particular case with a Texas attorney before you decide whether to get married and how the medical bills will affect your financial situation.

All Comments

Texas is a community property

Texas is a community property state. This means that all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are part of the marital estate and are the joint obligations of both spouses. All medical bills that your boyfriend incurs prior to marriage will be his personal debts. If he continues his treatment after you two are married, you may be liable for his medical expenses if he is unable to pay. However, you should discuss your particular case with a Texas attorney before you decide whether to get married and how the medical bills will affect your financial situation.