I just got a certified letter saying I need to pay for dad's last year at nursing home and don't know what to do.

Who is the letter from? Is it a collection agency letter?

Have you called POA sibling and asked?

First off, be careful, it could be a scam.

Copy and forward the letter to your brother.

Jasmina, who is the Executor of your Dad's Will? That is the person to whom a copy of said letter should go to. Was your Dad living in the U.S.? If yes, I wonder if he was on Medicaid [which is different from Medicare]. Did Dad have a house?

So the letter came from an Attorney? Does the name on the letterhead sound familiar? I am also wondering if this is a scam. Whatever you do, do not call any of the telephone numbers on the letterhead as those numbers could belong to the scammer. You can check on the internet if there is such an Attorney. Sometimes the internet will say if others have received such letters from that person.

No, you are NOT responsible. If this does turn out to be a legit debt, the Estate is responsible.

Sounding like a scam to me. First of all, you are not responsible for your parent's nursing home bills unless you signed on to be. Secondly this letter should not be sent to you. I agree with the others. Copy and forward to your brother; let him know HE needs to proceed slowly and carefully as well. You need to run this past someone in the know. I know nothing about Canadian law and don't know if your parents are deceased in Canada or the USA, but suspect, just as with here, you do not owe money yourself on your parent's bills in Canada.
2 years is certainly time enough for an accounting on the will. In the USA a will that is probated is filed. If you are a beneficiary you have a right to a copy of the will. Ask your brother for a copy of the will, tell him that this triggered a kind of "need to know" moment for you.
Good luck. Don't panic. You don't owe your parents bills here unless Canada is VERY different from the USA. People always bring up this obscure never used law about children being liable, but I have NEVER heard of it being used. Hope we have some here to answer for that for sure.
The thing you REALLY need to know is that scammers are out there in just hoards. Be careful.

I disagree with the others and that is because you say the letter is from a PA attorney. If your dad resides in PA then I am sorry to tell you that PA is one state that somewhat aggressively enforces filial laws so I would not ignore the letter and I would not chalk it up to a scam. Under PA filial law, you and your siblings may be financially responsible. I sincerely hope not but....it is very possible :(

I would send a letter to the law firm and inform them of who in the family is POA and or executor of the Will.
If payment has to be made then it should be split between all heirs.

For me, I took reference for the "PA" as Professional Association, which some companies have at the end of the company name.

NO ONE is saying to ignore the letter.
NO ONE knows whether it is a scam or not.
It is perfectly common to issue a warning about a scam.

Of course Jasmina will be checking into whether it is a scam or not.
One does not do that by contacting the originator of the letter first, and giving them information!

Jasmina needs more facts and should contact the sibling right away.

There is no way anyone on this forum can determine if this is a scam or not.
Just because the letter comes from PA with aggressive filial laws does not prove it cannot be a scam. Poor logic if anyone really believes that.

Jasmina, we may need more information from you. Did your Dad reside in Canada or the U.S.? Is your brother visiting, or living in Canada? Are you able to call him up?

Is there a probate opened at a courthouse that you can obtain a record or status on your Dad's estate?

If your mother is living, where is she? Wouldn't she have responsibility for the NH? Or, if she is protected as a community spouse, and your brother is POA, why aren't they handling it?

So many questions, not enough information.

Jasmina, several issues, some of which will hopefully offer some comfort.

1.   If you're concerned that the letter isn't legit, check this link:

https://www.martindale.com/search/attorneys-law-firms-articles/?term=debt collection, creditor's rights near Pennsylvania

and/or search online for "PA creditors' rights law firms", or "PA debt collection law firms."    If the firm isn't listed, you could call the PA State Bar directly and tell them you're trying to locate a firm (with that name) and need a contact number and address.  

Don't tell them you already have it; let them advise you if the firm is a PA law firm.  This will help determine if it is in fact a law firm or is a scam outfit.

2.   Was your father in fact in a nursing home for the last year of his life? If not, then definitely something's amiss!

3.     Do you know if your father had a Will?  Or a Trust?    If so, do you know if your brother was Executor/Personal Representative, or Trustee?

4.   Although your brother may have had POA authority, that would have ended on your father's death.    Then the Executor, etc. would take over management of your father's assets.

5.   I did some quick checking.   This law firm's site offers insight into PA laws, including the statute of limitation for filing claims, specifically, within one year after the first notice of death published as required by law.   

https://mcandrewslaw.com/publications-and-presentations/articles/paying-the-creditors-of-an-estate/

Your brother should address this issue, b/c if the claim is just being filed now, it may be that it hasn't been filed properly and/or the statute of limitations has run.   This is critical in determining the legitimacy, timely filing, and what's known as "perfection" of the lien. 

6.  The 4th paragraph of the URL above addresses a situation in which there are insufficient assets to pay creditors.  

It also may be that the estate had no funds and this law firm is coming after the grown children.  Two years seem to me like an awful long time to wait before filing a claim, so I do wonder if something's amiss.

7.    Since you don't have information on what happened after your father's death, I would, as others suggest, start with your brother and notify him.   It doesn't sound as if you're close or in regular contact, so I would keep the original letter and send him a copy of it and of the envelope, and ask him specifically to address the issue of whether or not your father had a Will, and if he handled it.

There are more issues, such as what's known as intestacy if your father had no Will, but I would first get in touch with your brother and ensure that he's involved.

8.   As to contacting the firm, I'm of "two minds" about this.    I would try to get in touch with your brother first and clarify issues, but I would also be concerned about filial obligation statutes.    You might call the PA Bar and ask if there's a free legal hotline, and see if you can get legal advice on this, especially if you don't have any funds to pay for the last year's care.

9.   Another aspect that should be pursued is who signed any admission papers, and under what capacity.   I'm not sure at this point how this would interface with filial obligations, but it's a good idea to know if anyone, such as your brother, accepted responsibility (perhaps w/o knowing it) for your father's financial obligations to the nursing home.

Don't panic, but do plan to do some research to protect yourself, starting with visiting your local senior center to get free advice on what kind of attorney might be needed if you need one.   And I would also clarify the filial obligations statute and case law, including whether or not you, in whatever your financial situation is, could be liable if sued. 

When you feel up to it, this is a summary of the PA Filial Obligation statute:

https://www.paelderlaw.net/pennsylvanias-filial-support-law-children-can-be-held-responsible-for-parents-unpaid-nursing-home-bill/

Thank you for all the answers. Let me clarify. Sibling (sis) lives in Canada hss for 30yrs. I live in Pa.
She was Power Of Att. for both mom/dad. Mom passed 7yrs ago. It took almost 5yrs for her to get the info for the will gathered up. I got a blank will with a signature. I didnt even know such a thing exsists.
As for dad I have seen NO will. I would never here the end of it if I even asked about it. Itwould be thrown in my face Im money grubber.
Been 2yrs now. I have no idea about it. Wouldn't be surprised if it is another blank will signed 1month b4 death. That way sibling can write a list of what the assets are. I never saw that with my moms. Just got a check out of no where. Not even explanation.
My parents had legit wills done 20yrs ago. But couldnt find them apparently. So says sibling.
I have been deliberately kept in the dark about everything. Sibling enjoys that I dont know. Have some property and she refused to tell me where it is at. I had to call the county and have paperwork sent. She isnt paying taxes on her portion. Lumped in with mine. Just laughs it off.
The nursing home would always call me first about my dad. They never wanted to call Canada. Sis screens her calls probably wouldnt call back anyway. Does that all the time.
I already called the lawyer. I didnt think it was a scam bc I had to sign for the letter. It still could be one, but I didnt think it was, bc sis told me she owed money once b4 to the nursing home. It seemed legit bc my dad was in/out of hospital constantly before he died.
As far as anything else concerning the will, executor if the will. I have no idea. Im totally in the dark and it is designed that way.

I dont know how they can come after me. My parents still have a home/land just sitting. Sis says she is never selling it. I dont know how that can be. If both parents are deceased. Again Im kept in the dark. Neighbors of my parents didnt even know I existed. Only ssibling.
Im sure the lawyer can go after that? If the lawyer calls me, I will be tight lipped. I wasnt going to give them any info but my sisters. I was going to tell him call her. The lawyer is in Pa as well. I read that is a state that can go after family of the deceased. So Im still in a big panic.
Iam just shocked the nursing home took 2yrs to get around to this????
My dad is in Pennsylvania. Only sis is in Canada. Only 2 of us. I guess she is executrix. I have heard nothing in 2yrs. Nothing about assets. Family home nothing. Thank you for your comments. I am totally at a loss as to what to do.

Sorry, Jasmina, what a stress! If you dad lived in a nursing home in Pennsylvania, then this might be a legitimate letter, unfortunately. That state actively pursues collections from families. You may want to obtain the services from an elder law attorney for advise. Here is a short video on filial responsibility laws and it might have some good info for you. Best wishes.

https://youtu.be/3lgyc_m-xUc

Pardon Jasmina.
"Brother" is your sister in Canada.
Your mother has passed, and this is about your father's nursing home in PA.

So sorry that your sister has let you down.
Sorry for your loss of both parents.

You say there is a home/land. Any debts can come out of the equity in that home?
It may not need to be sold, it could be refinanced if there is no tax lien. What is the condition of the home....looking at the entire picture of assets may help you.

Is there any reason you cannot research yourself to find out about Dad's estate, the status of probate, and the current ownership of the house/land?

If it was me, I would start with Estate lawyer for 2 reasons: 1) they will give you a free consulting and be able to give you the lay-of-land. 2) And they are cheaper than Elderly lawyer. Some here may disagree, but right now you just really need to know what the NH can and can not do & what are your rights are.

Although, I agree that you should send a copy of the letter to your sister; however, I don't think she will be much help to you! The lawyer who is trying to collect for NH may have been in touch with your sister and got no where--just giving you heads up!

Don't panic...breath...find a lawyer or legal aid!

Just my 2 cents!

UPDATE: Called sibling. 1. She told me file chapter 13. 2. Then told me to tell the lawyer we are going to sue the nursing home for bad care. (Im not doing or saying that ever). 3. Said she is too busy to deal with it. She said they cant come after her bc she paid 50 a month on the bill. She stop paying in june, which probably triggered lawsuit. She is also using a friends address as hers, so she can screen/ignore any problems that arrise. And she says she might have moved and giggled.
So it seems Im on my own with this. This 10k bill is supposed to be paid in 30days and if not lawyers/court fees added till they take me to court. None of my dads assets or will was discussed. I tried to discuss it, but no.

It sounds like your sister is leaving you holding the bag, after all she is in Canada and you are much more easily accessible. I think she has screwed you over with the Wills too, IMO there is no way in h3ll those were legal documents. I agree with Shell, you need a lawyer to protect yourself and to hopefully send the chickens home to the proper roost.

Your sister was POA and needs to do an accounting. An Administrator needs to be assigned to the estate, which can be the lawyer. You really need a lawyer to protect your interest. A letter needs to be sent from one lawyer to another asking for an accounting from the debtor. You have to take it one step at a time. If you and siblings are found responsible, then you each will need to pay your share. If you can prove that paying for parents debts will bring financial hardship, you may not have to pay. Deals can be made. If the house is just standing, it can be sold to pay the debt.

I always thought I would handle things on my own first and then a lawyer. Recently I had to use a lawyer for transfer of property. He handled that, helped with the sale of the house and probate. It was so nice allowing someone else to do the job.

Check the county assessor website to see who owns folks home now. Maybe sis has sold it. Tell lawyer to get a lien on the home IF it is still your parent's.

Don't panic yet. Call this attorney and discuss why/how you have all of a sudden been pulled into a money matter that your sibling is the person the nursing home needs to direct this issue.
We had a situation similar to this yrs ago. My father-in-law, who was estranged from his 2 kids, had heart by-pass done at Emory hospital. Out of the blue we started receiving calls/letters that we owed his bill or we would be reported to collection agency. NO, WE KNEW NOTHING ABOUT THIS AND WHAT DO WE HAVE TO DO WITH THIS? Father-in-law had placed us as next of kin. Big difference between notification of emergency and signing a contract to help pay for this surgery. We flat out told Emory where they could put their collection attempts.
We just happened to move to GA about a year later and the 1st week we were there, we received a letter from Emory with the same threats. My husband sent Emory a certified letter telling them that if they didn't stop their threats then Emory University would be known as ABCD UNIVERSITY. They should have made sure father-in-law had the means to pay and they did not have any legal right to come after us. NEVER HEARD FROM EMORY AGAIN.
DON'T ALLOW THEM TO SCARE YOU. YOU HAVE LEGAL RIGHTS AND YOU CAN TAKE THEM TO COURT FOR THREATENING YOU AS WELL AS NOT HAVING ANY LEGAL CLAIM TO COME TO YOU FOR THE MONEY.

This reminds me of one of the hospitals in the area that had run into some financial
difficulties. Some auditors were brought in to help. The auditors started sending out notices to former patients to pay the remainder of the outstanding balance that was not paid by medicare. There was no balance due. They were trying to collect the amount over and above the amount allowed by medicare.
It was serious enough that all of the local news got hold of the stories and warned people that this was illegal and not to pay anything.
What you have may be something similar. I would not pay anything with out a full accounting of the account. It just could be a scam being run by bill collectors or along those lines.
I think you really need to obtain a full copy of her entire record and maaybe even seek legal council.
Good luck

1) Or why it took 2yrs to send me a letter from a PA lawyer about a bill.
2)  Bill is from nursing home.

This information is confusing, and perhaps is still unfolding.

https://www.wayforth.com/blog/executor-misconduct-4-ways-break-probate-law
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filial_responsibility_laws
https://blog.aarp.org/legal-grounds/more-filial-support-cases-ending-up-in-court
https://www.nextavenue.org/could-you-be-forced-pay-moms-nursing-home-bill/

Sounds like your sister should never had been made POA or executor. It would appear from looking at USA laws that the nursing home has a right to go after any children of a parent for monies.

I would be very interested in why she hadn’t paid the nursing home in full since that was his money to pay for his care. If it was that he didn’t have the money then I believe you have Medicare there and she should have fulfilled her obligations as POA / executor by ensuring that was in place. If it was he had enough - what did she do with it?

Jasmina...if it were me, i would write to the nursing home and attorney and give them all of your sisters information, since she was POA and then executor of the will. She is shirking HER responsibilities. Do not let her get you involved in any of it. And if you knew nothing of your fathers finances or will, then why not? You are being taken advantage of by your sister....consult an attorney to ease your mind....

Jasmina, I really don't believe you are legally responsible for anything here. Stop panicking. You could pay a local Elder law attorney to consult with or maybe find one to give a free initial consultation where you may find what I just told you- you don't owe them anything. Or you could just wait and ignore their letters. The only way they can get negatively affect you is to take you to court and get a judgement against you so wait and see if they serve a court summons and then think about hiring an attorney, but I'm pretty sure you are not legally responsible. But my guess is you will never see that happen UNLESS you signed paperwork stating you will be financially responsible. So relax

Jasmina, please read your whole thread here again, as there is a lot of good advice by responders replying to other responders.
We are worrying about you and thinking about you and we hope you will update when you come to some resolution on this. I think your sister has made some major mistakes.One mistake is that thinking paying 50.00 a month gets her off the hood from a creditor. It only works to assume the debt, let them claim that you PAID so you must know you OWE. I think her mistakes won't come to bite you unless you let them, unless you make mistakes of your own, so do not act without legal advice. I like Tacy's advice IF you communicate at all, because it forces them to prove to you what this is for. If this is a collection agency you will not see a reply to that letter.
Good luck. Please see a lawyer.
Please consider an hour of Elder Law time. This is going to ruin the budget for a month or two, but in terms of mental health it may be worth it.
Good luck.

Plenty of great advice and support for you, Jasmina! The only thing I'll add is to make a folder containing all paperwork; keep a log of what items you received and when and by what means; who and when you talked to and what what discussed (being as specific as you can) and include any witnesses.

Document, document, document. There's no telling when that information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, can make a difference.

I'm sorry you had this dumped on you. Best wishes to you!

Jasmina, have you spoken to the estate planner your parents went to? Who told you dad didn’t have a will? Your sister?

Try looking for old check registers to see if you can figure out estate planners name. I had similar happen and just started going through stuff and found what I was looking for, including a lapsed long term care policy.

What a nightmare! I’m so sorry that you are going through this. Good luck.

Jasmina,
Thank you for your update below. So relieved that you are in the hands of this lawyer now. I have to think that your sister is well aware of assets and is trying to keep the facts hidden. There is something VERY wrong with all her responses to you.
I hate to think of the costs you are incurring here, but I cannot help but be so relieved you are seeing a Lawyer. This is a heck of a lesson you are learning, and likely to be costly in every way from monetary to emotional, but your words below on what we must do now to protect our families in future are so good.
I hope you will update us as you walk this journey. You could be such a help to so many as you walk this walk with the Lawyer.
I personally will always be on the lookout for "Update from Jasmina" and my thoughts are with you. Hope this goes well for you.

Update: Venting. So after a week my lawyer has not called the lawyer of the nursing home. It's coming down to the wire and I'm so stressed. Sis said to call her at a specific time, then doesnt bother to answer.
Im afraid nursing home's lawyer is going to say we waited a yr for payment, and we are not waiting any longer for the estate to be probated. I dont know what to do. I dont have 10k.
My lawyer says dad has no will. He looked into it. I'm so stressed right now.