Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Ohio

Dads Death No Will Step Children

My dad passed away in february. My step brother (whom my dad did not adopt) has been living/renting my dads house for 18 years. I am the next of kin. There is no will, my father verbally told my step brother he could have the house. There is a mortgage on the house with my step mothers and my dads name on it. but the deed is only made out to my dad.

Legally that is now my house? correct?

If I go to probate, apply to executor of his estate, am I then responsible for my fathers debts? Or does the probate court take care of them?

There are personal items that belonged to my father , grandfather and grandmother that is still in the house that I would like to retreve. Can I just go in and get them?

There is no rental agreement or lease or anything in writing that my step brother was doing nothing but paying my dad 435.00 a month to live there then my dad was paying his own mortgage payment everything.

Please help, am so darn confused as what I do from here.


Asked on 6/28/08, 4:17 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Peter Ezanidis Donnellon & Ezanidis, LLC

Re: Dads Death No Will Step Children

I would suggest finding a probate attorney or two that offers a free initial consultation. Feel free to call our office if you are in the columbus area. 614.223.1730

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Answered on 6/30/08, 9:46 am


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