Do not pay anything. Talk to the social worker about you being the only one left and request tips on what you can do. They do have a protocol on next steps to take because they want to get paid too. If there is a way for you to get into his home to search for documents, do try. But if he never told you about legal papers, expect there are none. If he has mail delivered to his home, see if any bills are coming in, but do not pay.
I keep copies of all important papers in a file on my computer. Originals are in a safe place. Printouts might be in topic-specific files in a cabinet, such as current social security documents in a folder with other social security files from the past. Check his computer if he has one.
I happened to be there when Mom assigned me but I did not sign any of the paperwork. I also did not get a copy. Never even thought to take the original. TG I told Mom to put her important papers all in one drawer so I could easily find them. And yes, there have been members of this forum who had no idea they were POAs and wouldn't have excepted the assignment if they had been asked.
The only thing I can see you doing is look thru his home. Every nook and cranny. Mom kept her papers in a drawer of her wardrobe. Brither could have his in a box on a shelf in a closet. Me, in a file cabinet.
Its a shame if he has POAs assigned and he told no one. If he has a Medical POA he may have requested no life support. Once on it, only asking for Hospice care may get him off, I think. Life support is to get over a hump.
Does brother have anyone on his checking accts? If so, this person can pay his bills. Maybe you can consult with a lawyer and see if you can get temporary POA or guardianship. I would not go for full guardianship its expensive at this point nor would I get the State involved.
I am so glad my Mom did everything so I could help her. After Dads death she had a new Will written up and her DPOA and Health directive done. As the eldest and the daughter who lived near by, I was assigned POA. I was put on her checking acct before the POAs. She called everyone she paid regularly like utilities and insurances and had me as a contact in case she didn't pay her bills. She made things as simple as she could for me.
You don't pay his bills. They accumulate and are unlikely to have repercussions over the amount of time your sibling is on life support. Let the bills accumulate. If your sibling recovers he can direct you in helping to pay his bills. If he does not recover in time, and remains unable to respond it would be a court action to get yourself appointed temporary guardian to pay his bills. The hospital social worker can help you. You would pay bills and you would be in a fiduciary responsiblity legally to keep meticulous records, so you might need to consult an attorney for help in doing this.
For now, don't worry. Tax bills in arrears do not result in immediate action. If the lights are turned off that doesn't matter. So for now just worry about your brother's health.
If you brother passes then you will have to have next of kin step in to look for a will. Present death certificate to any attorney who might have original will. That will tell the executor of estate. If there is no will then the next of kin will apply to the court to be administrator of estate, and will distribute the estate according to law of your state.
For now, I am so sorry you are facing this. And for now worry only about the health of the one you love. If you wish to inform creditors of your brother's condition do feel free to tell them. Be certain to pay NOTHING yourself.
If you don't have a copy of the PoA you are most likely not. It varies from state to state but when my MIL created a PoA, my husband had to sign the paperwork and then he got an original copy. Some on this forum maintain that the assigned PoA doesn't have to be notified or get a copy, but this is just a stupid thing to do IMO.
I would contact the hospital social worker right away and let them know that he doesn't have a PoA or guardian. They will work out having the county take over his care and affairs.
If you have access to his house and can find his bills, maybe you can go to his bank and find out what they recommend. If he has a mortgage payment then I'd contact them to let them know the situation and that you're working on solving it. I'm sorry you are both in this situation.
If there is a way for you to get into his home to search for documents, do try. But if he never told you about legal papers, expect there are none. If he has mail delivered to his home, see if any bills are coming in, but do not pay.
The only thing I can see you doing is look thru his home. Every nook and cranny. Mom kept her papers in a drawer of her wardrobe. Brither could have his in a box on a shelf in a closet. Me, in a file cabinet.
Its a shame if he has POAs assigned and he told no one. If he has a Medical POA he may have requested no life support. Once on it, only asking for Hospice care may get him off, I think. Life support is to get over a hump.
Does brother have anyone on his checking accts? If so, this person can pay his bills. Maybe you can consult with a lawyer and see if you can get temporary POA or guardianship. I would not go for full guardianship its expensive at this point nor would I get the State involved.
I am so glad my Mom did everything so I could help her. After Dads death she had a new Will written up and her DPOA and Health directive done. As the eldest and the daughter who lived near by, I was assigned POA. I was put on her checking acct before the POAs. She called everyone she paid regularly like utilities and insurances and had me as a contact in case she didn't pay her bills. She made things as simple as she could for me.
For now, don't worry. Tax bills in arrears do not result in immediate action. If the lights are turned off that doesn't matter. So for now just worry about your brother's health.
If you brother passes then you will have to have next of kin step in to look for a will. Present death certificate to any attorney who might have original will. That will tell the executor of estate. If there is no will then the next of kin will apply to the court to be administrator of estate, and will distribute the estate according to law of your state.
For now, I am so sorry you are facing this. And for now worry only about the health of the one you love. If you wish to inform creditors of your brother's condition do feel free to tell them. Be certain to pay NOTHING yourself.
I would contact the hospital social worker right away and let them know that he doesn't have a PoA or guardian. They will work out having the county take over his care and affairs.
If you have access to his house and can find his bills, maybe you can go to his bank and find out what they recommend. If he has a mortgage payment then I'd contact them to let them know the situation and that you're working on solving it. I'm sorry you are both in this situation.