The Mrs. didn't tell that other part about that family's situation, I will have to ask her if she is aware of that, she probably is, but she just feeds me in little bits and pieces so I don't choke on it i guess.
As far as the boy's situation goes, I don't know at this point but time will tell. I am starting to lean towards the scam only because the collection agency responded and not the attorney's office thus far and he didn't send the collection agency anything yet.
If it is a legitimate bill he owes, I would have expected them to respond with a letter saying something like , "we have requested the documentation you have requested from the creditor and expect to have it in xx number of days , at which point we will send it to you for your review." Something like that would be more in line with a legitimate claim.
He isn't trying to avoid paying a legitimate bill, but he also doesn't want to pay something he doesn't owe and who could blame him.
This will be a good learning experience no matter which way it turns out because he needs to learn the process and how to handle claims made against him.

You know what, I wonder just how many kids the Mayo clinic actually gets turned over to CPS for custody? They might very well be in with them and making sure CPS always has kids to look after on a full time basis.