Of course, anyone who doesn't have a will or has had a significant change in circumstances--a marriage, the birth of a first child, a divorce, a financial windfall, a change in state of residence--needs to act.

FORBES: Estate Of Confusion

The blame, according to Mr. Halperin, should have rested with the CIA and Welch, himself, for having failed properly to appreciate and act upon threats to his safety arising from his choice of residence.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

All of that said, the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007 generally allows taxpayers to exclude from income from the discharge of debt on their principal residence.

FORBES: You Are Not Alone: R. Kelly Joins Taxpayers Who Have Lost Homes Due To Foreclosure