He lost the title to his home over a small property tax debt. Years later, he's finally getting it back.

A Nebraska man whose house title was seized over a modest property tax debt has finally gotten it back, ending a yearslong legal battle.

Bob Greene : Kevin Fair was unable to pay his $ 588 property tax bill after quitting his job to care for his dying wife, Terry , who had been diagnosed with a debilitating case of multiple sclerosis.

Greene: The Fairs sued, arguing that losing the equity in their house in excess of what they owed violated the 5th Amendment's Takings Clause.

Greene says some states are still trying to find creative ways to get around the law.

Michigan law passed in the wake of that ruling says homeowners must serve a claim form with the foreclosing government within 92 days .

If you miss that deadline, you're out of luck if you get lost in that labyrinthine process and miss a deadline, the government claims your surplus equity.

Fair thankfully shouldn't have to worry about that anymore.