Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Texas

I have searched many websites and have made many phone calls, free legal aid does not have any lawyers that can assist at this time, someone please help. My mother died in 1995 without a will, leaving myself and 6 other sisters with a house to share among us. When she passed away the verbal agreement among us all was for the house to be available to any one of us, should we became unemployed and unable to pay our mortgage or rent. One sister has remained in the house since her passing. Several of us have experience financial hardship and have moved into the house at one time or another, myself being one of those hardships. She becomes psychotic and very paranoid and after one of her bouts she threw me out. I did speak to an attorney who told me I could charge her rent beginning from the date she threw me out which by the way took place in October 2007, just a few days after my birthday. Please understand I am not the only one she has done this to. Recently our niece lost her 17 yr old stepson, her stepsone was autistic therefore all her income was his social security she was receiving to provide for him, after his passing it ceased. One week after his death she got notice that her landlord was not renewing her lease and had only a few weeks to move out. My psychotic sister invited her to stay in the house with her other minor children. Within a few weeks she threw them out stating they had lived with her for 3-4 months leaving the burden of the utility bills on her. Her behavior is intolerable and I want my share of my inherited property. Since I can't live there I am at the point that I don't care if the court forces us to sell. I want my part but I cannot afford the full price of an attorney. I am willing to pay what I can if I could only find the help. What forms do I need and where do I file them to make this possible to do myself.


Asked on 8/25/09, 11:27 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Patricia F. Bushman BUSHMAN LAW OFFICES

This is not a DIY matter. Talk to your other siblings and get together to hire an attorney.

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Answered on 8/25/09, 11:43 am
Keith Engelke Law Office of S. Keith Engelke

Have you tried:

Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid

San Antonio Bar Association Community Justice Program.

Here are some things to look into:

Establishing ownership of house.

Rights of each sister.

Getting help for mentally incompetent sister

Written partnership agreement setting forth rights and responsibilities.

Or rights under current law.

Get a lawyer!

Good luck

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Answered on 8/25/09, 10:53 pm


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