Coahoma, TX Estate Planning Law Firms & Lawyers

Whether your mother, yourself, or your siblings become liable for the debt depends on a number of factors. Did your father accrue this debt in his name alone? Is the debt part of a business that your family operates or is part of? Is the debt due to a gambling problem or some other problem? Does it have some connection with his illness? Did he secure the debt with property he jointly owned with any of you? In a normal situation, the estate alone is responsible for the decendant's debts. However, in some situations, others may also be held responsible. Check with an estate attorney for specific answers.

Nothing requires you to leave anything to any of your children in your will. You need to make your will absolutely crystal clear, however, that you do not intend to leave them anything. You would be wise to consult with an estate-planning lawyer as to how this can best be done.

While a surviving spouse has a lifetime right to occupy the house in Texas, once he leaves, that right is forfeited.  From your reference to "half" it appears that the house was community property and you are your mother's only heir.  Your stepmother may be your father's heir but only after he dies.  She has no rights while he is alive.  You may try to persuade your stepfather to join you in selling the house.  You may offer to buy him out or have him buy you out.  Given the time that has passed, you may sue for partition, forcing a sale.  Contact a local probate attorney.