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Married spouses separated but did not divorce. Spouse A moved into a modest apartment and was injured in a car accident. Hospital provided emergency treatment worth $38,000 after Spouse A signed the admission papers. Landlord rented Spouse A the apartment for $1,400 per month. Jeweler sold Spouse A a $9,000 bracelet on credit. Spouse A has no meaningful assets. Spouse B earns $180,000 per year and refused to pay any of the bills, arguing that Spouse B did not sign any contract.
The state has a gender-neutral necessaries statute imposing secondary liability on a spouse for reasonable necessary expenses furnished to the other spouse when the receiving spouse cannot pay. Hospital, Landlord, and Jeweler sue Spouse B.
Discuss whether Spouse B is liable for the medical bill, rent, and bracelet. Address contractual liability, the spousal duty of support, and limits on necessaries.