<p>OK, I stand corrected. I guess it was all the private loans that the parents were being required to repay, even though their kid had sadly died. Still, I know that all of us much prefer our beloved kids alive and WITH us to being dead and gone. The parents I know have a VERY hard time coping with the death (or even serious illness) of any of their kids–we want our kids to live full, long and productive lives. Our kids are all priceless and in time, kids CAN try to help repay parents, if kids are in a position to do so (and if it is desired by kids and parents. Repayment can come in many forms, including helping our parents when they need us, contributing financially when we are able, etc.</p>
<p>I agree that a good, qualified financial counselor would be a good idea, to give the parents AND student a better idea of their current options and how to meet their current and future obligations. Definitely, I would be reluctant to advise anyone for getting any deeper. </p>