Dear Larry: My father was murdered by his wife for his insurance money. She was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. The legal stuff is still going on because we are still in court trying to settle the money issues with my father's life insurance company.

Before my father was killed, I knew he had borrowed a large sum of money from his mom. He never repaid the money and only made one attempt to pay her some of his debt. He wrote his mother a check, but it bounced. After my father's death, I found out that he borrowed money 13 years ago from his brother, my uncle, to pay for my brother's attorney when he was in trouble.

Because there was a lot of stress during the criminal trial, I didn't mention the outstanding money issue. Now that it is over, I asked my siblings how we should pay back our uncle and grandma.

One sibling said she is not paying anything because she feels our grandmother does not care about the money, and our uncle should not get anything because she did not know about the debt. The sibling who got into trouble said he did not ask for the attorney when he was in trouble, and because he needs the money, maybe when he gets settled he will pay back my uncle. My last sibling is out of the country, and I have tried to call and e-mail her but haven't heard from her.

I feel my dad would've wanted his mother and brother to be paid. I believe this because he tried to repay his mother. Another thing, it just seems as if this is what should be done with the money for which he was murdered.

Am I in the wrong for asking that we all should help?

Regardless of their decision, my husband and I agree that whatever money we get, we will pay them both because we feel that is the right thing to do.

My grandma needs the money because she is trying to make ends meet living only off her social security income. My uncle is not flush with money, either. He is putting a child through college, and I know things are tight with him.

Your advice would be helpful. — Jenn

Dear Jenn: I will not comment on what I think of your siblings.

You are to be commended for your attitude and great sense of character. I agree that your father's outstanding debts should be paid before you and your siblings divide up the insurance money.

Because your siblings do not agree with you, I suggest that you contact your grandmother and uncle and tell them to submit a claim against your father's estate. I am not sure what, if any, legal proof exists. If there is sufficient documentation of the debt, the insurance company will honor their claim. They will pay your grandmother and uncle before the money is disbursed to your greedy siblings.

Oops. Sorry, I said I would not comment.

To find out more about Larry G. Meeks and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

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