THANK Y U DAN CRENSHAW

Worthing on March 22 before taking down Scarborough on March 24 to move to 5-2 on the season. Lutheran North Academy dropped to 0-4 on the season and in district play with losses to Brazos Christian on March 21 and Alpha Omega Academy on March 24.

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It is no coincidence that the celebration of Easter takes place each year in early spring, commemorating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For Easter is a celebration of rebirth, and what better time to celebrate this than when the earth is springing back into life. The new life of spring reminds us that this world is eternally productive and creative. The apparent lifelessness of winter is only an illusion. Sleeping just beneath the surface, is life and more life, awaiting God’s gentle touch to reawaken it. In the same way, Easter reminds us that the death of our bodies is an illusion. Beneath it is life and more life. The Bible tells us that God so loved the world the He gave us His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. We will one day shed our bodies, as the trees shed their leaves and snakes shed their skins, and we will be reborn into life everlasting.

And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. New K.J.V. John 10:28 probate and estate administration.

1. Funeral Expenses

The highest priority goes to funeral expenses of up to $15,000 (along with expenses of a last illness, discussed below). It is important to remember, however, that probate and estate administration is not an overnight process and families are typically expected to advance this cost. They will have to seek reimbursement from the Estate after an administration is opened.

2. Medical Bills

Next in line of priority are the first $15,000 of medical bills incurred for the deceased’s last illness. These expenses can include ambulance/emergency transport, hospital stay or emergency room treatment, or any other expenses associated with the person’s death. Other medical debt that is unrelated to the last illness or that exceeds $15,000 for the last illness, is considered unsecured debt and receives a much lower priority.

3. Mortgage others. So, we should make a real effort in the coming days and weeks to forgive the offenses of others as well as our own. Sometimes, it helps to just forget about them; that is, to try to put them out of our mind and stop repeatedly mulling over them. One of the reasons we use the phrase “forgive and forget” is because sometimes that is the only way to forgive, i.e., by forgetting. But far better, and more divine, is to be able to forgive even while remembering the offense. So, we should let go of those unforgiving, vindictive,

Generally, mortgages are secured by the property they cover and this security interest in the property gives the lender priority for repayment. Most mortgagees (the lender) will get paid when the home is sold. In addition to the sale proceeds, the lender is also entitled to interest, penalties, and attorney’s fees incurred in seeking repayment. If nobody opens probate proceedings, a mortgagee can initiate them on its own to resolve any nonpayment issues.

Typically, however, when a person dies leaving a Will or a Trust, an executor or trustee can be appointed relatively quickly so that they can gain access to estate assets to pay off the mortgage debt or sell the house.

4. Child Support Child support obligations not only survive death, but that obligation “accelerates” with the full amount of remaining payments becoming due and payable on the date of death. Most assets are not exempt from child support garnishment including non-probate assets such as trusts, life insurance, and retirement accounts. These payments, however, may be offset by assets and income received by the child upon the death of their parent, such as an inheritance of estate assets and Social Security survivor benefits.

5. Loans

A loan’s classification as “secured” or “unsecured” determines its priority. A loan is “secured” if the debtor pledged an asset for the re-payment of the loan. An example would be a car loan, which is generally secured by the vehicle itself. In an estate administration, secured creditors can elect to be re-paid the debt in the course of the administration or they can foreclose on the asset if the debt is not timely paid. Personal loans, like credit card debt and private student loans, are unsecured and receive the lowest payment priority in an estate administration.

Planning for Debts After Death

The last thing grieving family members want to receive are phone calls and letters from debt collectors. To learn how to minimize the impact of debts on an inheritance and provide a secure future for your beneficiaries, please consult with Jennifer Solak at 713-588-5744 or jennifer@solaklegal.com

The information in this column, which was sponsored by Solak Legal as part of The Leader Expert Series, is intended to provide a general understanding of the law and not legal advice. Readers with legal questions should consult attorneys for advice on their particular circumstances. Jennifer Solak provides legal advice for families and businesses and may be contacted at jennifer@solaklegal.com or 713-588-5744.