Estate Finality

I went to a hearing at the Probate Judge this week to finalize the closing of Korry's Estate. Mixed emotions. I am really glad to get that part of this horrific accident taken care of. But at the same time it breaks my heart that we even have an estate. I have decided that I am really glad that we didn't have a lawsuit over the accident. Have I mentioned about that? Well, in case not... The man who hit her died as well. The truck he was driving was never identified as belonging to anyone, the license plate was for a different vehicle, supposedly owned by the man. The VIN was unidentifiable after the fire. If the man had any sort of life insurance or anything else, the attorney never found out. (the attorney was pretty much useless!) His estranged wife and 3 kids may have gotten something, but I did not feel right taking from them, but the attorney never really followed up on anything either way... so there was no finances received from the accident. After going thru all this and receiving an amount for uninsured motorists from Korry's insurance company, I can't imagine going thru a lawsuit to determine the value of losing Korry. How can anyone ever put a value on her life, on Jazsper's life without a mom. On anyone's life for that matter. I think that would have been harder than ending up with a small amount that is not based on anything other than a random insurance amount. We also had a hearing at the same time for petition for Paul and I to become conservators for Jazsper's finances from the estate. Everything went fine. my stomach and nerves and emotions have been on edge waiting for this for the last few months. I really didn't think there would be any problems, and of course Jazsper's dad didn't even bother to respond. He hasn't responded to anything any of the courts have sent him. In fact, the most recent address I have for him, came back marked "not at this address". He has remarried now as of a couple months ago, but I would think he would still keep me in the loop of where he is. I guess he figures I can contact his mom and that is good enough... But I am sidetracked... The conservatorship requires a bond to be in place until Jaz is at the age of majority, which in Alabama is 19 years old. It also requires a reporting to the court initially after 1 year and then a hearing/reporting every 3 years. Of course these all incur court costs and are supposed to have attorneys present. We have been blessed with a truly kind judge. I have been in and out of his office and on the phone with him and his head clerk over the last year so many times. And he knows how hard I have been trying. In fact he even commented that after all this he has absolutely no doubt that I am doing this all for Jazsper. It brought the tears out. It was so nice to have some one realize just how hard this has been and all the hoops I have had to jump thru. He even commented on the hoops and red tape, and even apologized for it. But because of this, and after talking about what my plans for the money were (basically CD's until he is 19, then college or a house)the Judge determined that I will not need to turn in an accounting on year one, and that in the future every 3 years, just file an accounting with the court. I won't have to have a hearing and incur more court costs. It was so nice, he wanted to save as much of Jaz's money as he could. It brings me to tears when I think about how kind he has been to me. It is obvious how much Paul and I love this boy. And, even tho it is a major undertaking, I would never say no. He is a part of Korry, who was a part of me. And there is no way I would let him go elsewhere or take from him. I am so blessed with a husband that is willing to take on the responsibility of raising Jazsper, and who can deal with my grief roller coaster. I am sure it is hard and fustrating for him, but he never really complains about any of it. He is such a good man. I am hoping that after we get the bond settled and the bank account for CD's set up for Jazsper, it will help me with a little closure and moving on to the future. Not that the future will be changed any, Korry will still be gone, but perhaps with these hurdles behind me, I will be able to move somewhat forward in the grieving process.