Family & Friends of Bipolar Support Group

This community is dedicated to parents, siblings, grandparents, other relatives and friends of someone who is Bipolar. The purpose of this community is to help families and friends develop greater patience and understanding, as well as maintain a positive, caring relationships with those diagnosed as Bipolar.

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/ Family & Friends of Bipolar Support Group

How do you deal?

mustgoon
mustgoon
I want to know how do you deal with the financial aftermath of a manic episode? Absolutely new at this never seen such a tall stack of bills in my life. It's intimidating and I'm just trying to help my loved one. Any replies will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
fakeblonde
fakeblonde
Well depending on your relationship with the person, your responsibility can vary. As a spouse in a community property state, I have been held responsible for the 2 items that have my name on them, my husband has tried to keep other finances to himself, and we don't share a bank account.

I havn't tried explaining to debtors the situation, as I suspect that unless you have financial power of attorney over that person, or they are declared unfit or disabled I think any debt incurred is legally binding. You may want to check with an attorney though to be sure.
mustgoon
mustgoon
They're my fiance's bills and we do share a bank account.
fakeblonde
fakeblonde
You could try explaining the situation, and hopefully they would at least be empathetic and work with you on repayment. If you are not married, I don't believe you can be held responsible for bills that are not in your name or under your social security number. That being said, if creditors place liens or sue him for unpaid bills, they can and will take everything they can out of your joint account. It would be prudent to consider separate accounts.
mustgoon
mustgoon
Thank you so much for your responses. I really appreciate it and I feel better about it :-)