Harry Gross: Behind bars, behind the 8-ball

DEAR HARRY: I'm having a huge problem in getting access to two homes left to me by my parents. My grandmother owned these homes in South Philly, one for her and one for my parents. When she died, they went to my parents, because my mother was an only child. There was no will, and they never changed the titles. I'm also an only child, and I never changed the titles when my parents died. I want to sell the houses, but I can't act without the titles being changed. I'm incarcerated and I've been given the runaround by everyone I contacted. I have no one on the outside whom I trust to help. I need some direction.

WHAT HARRY SAYS: From what I've seen over the years, it's often difficult for those behind bars to get a fair shake on their assets outside prison. It helps to have an advocate on the outside, but that's not your case. Your situation is a bit tricky because of the lack of wills. My first suggestion is to contact the Pennsylvania Prison Society at 215-564-6005. If that doesn't do it, contact the Bar Association at 215-238-6300. Ask for the help of a lawyer pro bono (at no charge). Lawyers are under pressure to volunteer for such activities, and they usually do a competent job. Good luck!