By Ilyce Glink and Samuel J. Tamkin, Tribune Content Agency

Q: I need a release paper from the title company. The unfortunate thing is that they are no longer in business. I am unable to find them or anybody who can help me. I am helping my dad and he is 87 years old.

We hear from readers dealing with this frustrating situation more often than you’d think. But if you’re looking for the release showing your dad paid off his mortgage, the title company is the wrong place to go — even if they were still in business.

The first thing you must do is make sure your dad made the final payment on his mortgage and his loan balance shows as owing nothing more.

Start by contacting the mortgage lender or mortgage servicer. Unfortunately, many lenders don’t send any loan release paperwork to the hom

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