Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in District of Columbia

If your mother left no will, she died "intestate". When someone dies "intestate" (or without a will), there is a statute which control the distribution of your mother's assets AS IF SHE HAD HAD A WILL. In other words, there are laws in place which try as best as possible to distribute the deceased's property as most normal people would -- to your surviving spouse first, then the kids, then grandparents, extended family, etc.

If your biological father is deceased or not in the picture, chances are you and your siblings will ultimately end up with the house. If you share the house equally and they do not want to help with the upkeep, maintenance, mortgage, etc., then you only have 2 options: (i) offer to buy out your siblings so you own the house out right and can do whatever you want with it, or (ii) file a petition with the court to force the sale of the home and split the proceeds with your siblings.

Best of luck. *******The above is for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.*******