Chapman Ranch, TX Estate Planning Law Firms & Lawyers

First, your father's estate must be probated by a Court heirship proceeding, small estate affidavit or Affidavit of Heirship, passing his interest to your mother (if all his children are her children). Second, if your mother lacked legal capacity to contract when she "sold" the lots to your sister, report elder exploitation to Adult Protective Services. Third, if the person who purchased from your sister did not know all this, your remedy is to sue your sister for the money she got from selling the lots. You may be eligible for free representation through Volunteer Legal Services or discounted representation through the Modest Means program of Lawyer Referral Service in your area or through a clinic at a nearby law school.

"Customary" doesn't matter much; the maker of a trust can say what he or she wants to say in terms of who takes. The question is a little confusing, but I'm gathering that one child of the trust-maker has passed away, and the trust calls for distribution to the deceased child's children, rather than to the deceased child's spouse. In my experience, yes, that is the more common distribution, keeping the wealth in the lineal family descent. Marriage is a little too dicey these days for many people.

Yes, you have standing to do several things. First, consider discussing your concerns with your parents, as they are generally presumed to be able to make their own decisions, including the decision to revoke any authority that they gave to each other, or to your siblings. Second, you might discuss these issues with an attorney that practices in guardianship and/or conservatorship, which could bring your concerns to the attention of a Court that is able to stem any wrongdoing and correct any past malfeasance. Third, you might consider contacting Adult Protective Services, or a similar local agency that encounters issues of elder abuse and financial exploitation on a daily basis.