gregorygarver.com

UPTHEIRONS · Joined: 20 Dec 2003 Posts: 3

My dad was 56 and he was an owner/operator therefore he did not plan for his passing. He had no written will, no life ins, no retirement just alot of bills. It is just my sister and I she is 18 and I am 31 with two kids. His one wish was to keep his house which has a $3000 a month mortgage payment we are not sure what to do, the expenses from the funeral and autopsy we barley covered we actually still owe for the services. I am just at a loss I am the oldest and have limited income my sister and I are fighting constantly all while trying to greive for my daddy may he rest in peace. He was not a veteren or anything just a regular hard workin man. Any advice would be great.

YourHero · Joined: 21 Mar 2004 Posts: 4

You are too old but your sister may qualify for death benefits from social security and may be able to get some money towards college. Be sure to look into all death benefits he may have had and get a good lawyer to help you-sorry for your loss.

RickB9658 · Joined: 29 Jan 2004 Posts: 7

I'm really sorry, but I don't think that there is any type of assistance other than yourself.You say he was an "owner/operator" - the first step would be to sell that which he owned & operated.And although your dad had wished to keep his house, he did not make provisions to do so. I'm sure it would be MUCH MUCH more important to him that his girls were happy and not under stress than the house be kept. Sell the house.Check local agencies (a pastor, Hospice, etc.) to see if they can help you find a low-cost lawyer that will help navigate you through all the decisions you need to make and the laws in your state. There may be benefits that can be paid through Social Security, etc. And go to berevement couseling through Hospice. They are wonderful and will help you with practical and emotional issues. http://www.hospicenet.org/html/bereavement.html

Gregg5436 · Joined: 23 Jan 2006 Posts: 4

Sorry sweetie, you'll most likely have to sell the house. Best of luck to you...

qman · Joined: 19 Jul 2007 Posts: 3

I'm so sorry for your loss. I would contact the mortgage company and ask what you can do. You may can get it changed to your name, refinanced and get lower payments so you can keep it. If not, you should consider selling it not letting it get repossessed. If you sell it yourself, you can keep any profit between you and your sister.Your sister may be entitled to some social security benefits from you Dad. I can't remember if it is until 18 or 19. Call the social security office and ask them.God Bless!

CreditExpert · Joined: 28 Apr 2003 Posts: 4

I am sorry for your loss.If your dad really had the wish to keep his house (even after death) then he should have put some mortgage insurance in place to protect you and your sister. As it stands right now, the best advice I can give you is to put your fathers house up for sale, use the proceeds from that sale to pay off your debts and hopefully there will be enough left over to help you and your little sister get a new start on life.If you wait until you get even deeper in debt, then the bank(s) will seize your dads house and you will lose it anyway. At least this way you can take charge of the situation, and keep the bank from getting everything.At least now your father has taught you how important planning for the possibility of your death and making sure there are safeguards in place for YOUR children is.

daniel_canella · Joined: 06 Jan 2005 Posts: 4

Is there a lot of equity in the house? You could maybe sell the house and use that money. Could you rent the house out? Let someone else pay the mortgage that way. Did your dad pass away on the job? I know my grandpa did and we got some money from the state (IL) I forget what it was called but you could ask a knowledgeable lawyer. If he was paying social security I believe your sister should be eligible for that. Good Luck!