Probate FAQ #2 Question: What if there is a mortgage against real estate owned by the person who died? Answer: If there is a joint mortgage on jointly held property, the surviving spouse will retain ownership of the house as well as liability for the mortgage. If the decedent owed several debts secured by the family home,
Jennifer Trapuzzano’s story of tragedy and forgiveness has traveled the world. She was 25 and nine months pregnant when her husband Nathan was murdered by a teenage mugger in Indianapolis. Her daughter Cecilia was born three weeks later. In their marriage, Nathan and Jennifer embraced Christian teachings and prayers on divine mercy. Mercy is our
Probate FAQ #1 Question: Do unpaid bills die with my beloved? Answer: As a general rule, no. If the decedent owed money on a credit card, hospital bill, car, or almost anything legal, the creditor could file a claim against the decedent’s estate, though not against the surviving spouse, unless the debt too is owed
Most people who come to me for estate planning understand that life is short. Sudden death could destroy not just one life, but the happiness and security of all the survivors. An estate plan cannot prevent a severe blow to the family, but it can prevent the blow from wrecking everything you love beyond recovery.
The Foundation runs programs for urban kids to play sports while studying reading and math. Its chairman is Dr. James Andrews, most famous for rebuilding the arms and shoulders of ballplayers, and its president is David Osinski, who tirelessly gives his retirement years to young people. At the Foundation’s Annual Lead Off Dinner (and auction)
If you drive on I-20 about two hours past Atlanta, you will see an exit for Crawfordville, county seat of Taliaferro County, population 1,800. In a forgotten hamlet called Sharon is Locust Grove Cemetery, where three generations of my family are buried. Next to the cemetery is a relatively new outdoor altar surrounded by old
On February 26, 2015, Theresa and I heard Dr. Dale Wisely at Homewood Library speak about teaching teenagers to drive and keeping them safe on the road. He began his career as a clinical psychologist in an office near the emergency room of UAB Medical Center. He saw many parents endure the tragedy of a
The project began with an anonymous donor who challenged those in my church to live our creed. By the time the Coleman family moved into their new home this spring, six parishes, three high schools, one television network, two colleges, two chapters of the Knights of Columbus, and the St. Vincent’s Health System had joined
Imagine having autism or some other type of disability and feeling the stigma of being different. Imagine going to a camp full of enthusiastic volunteers who greet you like family, carry your baggage to your cottage, make your bed, teach you about life, and bring fun while your parents attend sessions on the educational, legal,
Mental illness can be cruel. My brother Thomas had the family’s highest SAT score, but he could not finish college. He can do well for months at a time and then become weak, confused, and completely unfocused. Each year during Mental Health Awareness Month, the National Alliance on Mental Illness sponsors a walk at Railroad