Being in Washington state I understand that I am not responsible for my deceased mother's debts. These outstanding debts are to a nursing home, hospital and pharmacy associated with the nursing home. As POA, I signed all paperwork when she was admitted so does that mean I am responsible now for those debts?

No -your mother's estate is responsible for covering her debts. Heirs, relatives, etc are not responsible UNLESS you co-signed her loans. Signing as POA does not obligate you to covering her debts. Having said that - if you had a joint checking or savings account with your mother (which you don't mention, but I bring it up just in case) then your mother's estate could very well have to pay the debts out of those joint accounts.

Being in Washington state I understand that I am not responsible for my deceased mother's debts. These outstanding debts are to a nursing home, hospital and pharmacy associated with the nursing home. As POA, I signed all paperwork when she was admitted so does that mean I am responsible now for those debts?



When you have a P/A you sign on her behalf because she is unable to sign. You do not incur any personal liability.