Speaks, TX Estate Planning Law Firms & Lawyers

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.

You need to talk to a lender agent who specializes in reverse mortgages to answer your question as to whether an outstanding judgment will affect her loan application.

My practice is to leave each child 100 dollars, which shows that you thought about them when planning your estate. Or you could mention each one and specifically disinherit each child. You have to be very specific as to your intentions.