I need help. Trying to save father's house after death, probate issues and questions

I’m 20 years old, working as a busser, and my father passed away on September 25th without a will. He left behind a house in West Virginia worth about $260,000 with a $76,000 mortgage. The house is my only inheritance, and I want to keep it. The heirs are me, my brother, and two children of a deceased half-sister.

We’re in agreement that I will start the probate process and become the administrator. I need advice on how to handle the mortgage and how to buy out the shares of my deceased half-sister’s children. Can I get a loan for this? What are the steps I should follow? Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Each state has different probate processes. Since there is no will, you need to start the probate process to have an estate administrator appointed. If you haven’t done so, contact the county clerk’s office for guidance.

If your father had no will, the estate’s assets typically pass to the surviving children, which includes you and your siblings. You may need to discuss with the guardians of your deceased half-sister’s children to clarify their claims.

Inheritance laws depend on where your father lived. You may need to hire an estate attorney licensed in West Virginia to assist you through the probate process.

Talk to a probate attorney in your area as soon as possible. They can provide the best guidance on your specific situation.

Consider taking out a home equity loan for the amount needed to buy out the shares of the deceased half-sister’s children. They would need to sign documents to relinquish their claims.