Hi. I'm an attorney and I'll help you today. As a general rule, debts that are incurred prior to the marriage are separate debts, so those debts would remain woman's debts. As a general rule, debts incurred during the course of the marriage are marital debts. In some state, a spouse can be held responsible for the other spouse's medical debts absent actual notice to the provider that the spouse will not pay those debts. Finally, where you actually live ultimately will be determinative on the issue of what obligations are transferred to young man in the event of woman's death.

Also, you should keep in mind that you could potentially contract with regard to debt. Given the health issue involved, it may be a good idea to meet with a family law attorney in the state where you will ultimately reside to address the concerns about future medical debt.

I'm sorry - I mean that you could sign a prenuptial agreement that addresses who is responsible for what debt that is incurred during the course of the marriage. The contract could also require that each of you notify any health care provider of the terms of your marital contract so that the other spouse is not held responsible for the debt.

Please let me know if I've answered your question fully.

Thank you! Good luck to them.