Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Texas

Re: joint property no will

It sounds like some of the kids were your father's, but not your mother's natural children. If this is the case, then probably his children inherited an interest in the house. However, your mother has a widow's homestead right to live in the house for as long as she likes, so long as she maintains it, pays the interest on the mortgage and pays the taxes. No one can force her to move, but when she dies, she may not own 100% or even any interest in the house, depending upon the family structure and the details of ownership of the house.

Underlying ownership of the house will need to be legally taken care of at some point, either now, at some time when your mother wants to sell or move out, or when she dies. An attorney's help will be necessary to clear up the title.