questions & answers

Question: My mother passed away in 2012, she will the family home to my 2 sisters and I. 1 sister signed off on estate not wanting any of it. My oldest sister moved her son and girlfriend into mothers house. My mother has a mortgage on home and I think my sister is wrong for keeping account open under my mothers name. She tells me to not worry about it. What can I do about it. I want to sell the home. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer: Your question is impossible to answer without additional information.  You say your mother willed the home to you and your two sisters.  Based on that statement, I presume there was a Will.  Who is the personal representative (executor)?  Is it your sister?  Did you probate the Will in court?  As part of the probate, was the owner on the deed changed to you and your sister?  Who is paying the mortgage and whose money is being used to pay it?  Lots of detailed information is needed to help you get your answers.  You need to get a copy of the Will and at least talk to a lawyer.  There are 3 programs in Arizona that you can use to get some inexpensive legal advice and guidance.  One is the Modest Means Program.  For a $75.00 fee, the Modest Means Program will arrange a one hour consult with an experienced attorney.  The telephone number is (866) 637-5341. Both the Maricopa County Bar Association and the Pima County Bar Association have lawyer referral services that offer a 30 minute consult with an experienced attorney.  Maricopa County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute consultation for a fee of $40.00. The telephone number is (602) 257-4434.  Pima County's Lawyer Referral Service offers a 30 minute consultation for a fee of $35.00.  The telephone number is (520) 623-4625.