Q: Had POA for dad to rebuild house, dad died. Contractor is suing me for money due after the insurance paid. Am I liable
My parents had a house fire. Only my dad is on the title. We hired a construction company to rebuild. My dad asked me to handle things and gave me POA. My dad passed away two months ago. The construction company just served me a civil summons and is suing me for money due that I know nothing about. They were already paid by the insurance company. Am I liable for this money?
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A:
I'm sorry for your loss. When your father passed away, the power of attorney you held typically ended, meaning you no longer have the authority to act on his behalf. Since the house is solely in his name, any obligations related to the rebuilding project generally become part of his estate.
If the insurance company has already made payments to the construction company, it's possible there was a misunderstanding or an outstanding balance that needs clarification. The lawsuit may be directed to your father's estate rather than you personally, especially if you weren't directly responsible for the payments.
It's important to respond to the summons promptly and gather all relevant documents, such as contracts and insurance statements. Consulting with a legal professional can help you understand your position and ensure that the matter is handled correctly.
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