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In the letter (1 page) keep it brief.....state something like:
Mary Jane Smith passed away on 2/15/16. As such, any & all bills, invoices or other debts are &/or will become debts of her estate. I anticipate that probate will be opened sometime within the timeframe allowed by law by the state of whatever with a Notice to creditors done as per state law.
Do NOT physically sign it but type in your name as Sally Smith Jones as former DPOA of Mary Jane Smith.
That's it, keep it short & simple and send it certified with the green card.
They can continue to try to hound you to pay but not your problema.....
Keep the letter on file in your computer as you may need to do & send out more of these missives! Really for about $ 8.00 it's the cheapest legal around. Get a little binder going for the return signed off green cards too. It clearly establishes your fiduciary duty but without committing you to anything specific. Comprende?
Oh about doing probate, there will be specifics as to how final expenses are paid (like in what order and if the amount is capped) and if there is a statute of limitations as to claims against the estate. Don't feel pressed to open probate - I'm not trying to make you feel that - states allow for time anywhere from 6 mos to 4 years to even present letters testamentary. Good luck.
I am very sorry for your loss.
Remember first and foremost that they are billing your mom, or mom's estate, not you. Unless you signed papers making you responsible for this bill, you are in no way on the hook for it.
ALFs bill the way hotels do. They charge for the room no matter what the census.