Center, 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.

In answer to your question as to your duties when you become an administrator, I am assuming you were appointed by a court order, issued letters of administration; at that time you should have had to sign the letters of administration, filed back with the court and were issued a set of instructions duties of an administrator. As to your compensation, the percentage of the value of the estate you are entitled to, which is generally the same the lawyer receives, and both are set forth in the California Probate code.

If the person granting the Lowe is competent now, but planning for a future incompetence, you would use a durable power of attorney and a medical power of attorney and hipaa form. If he power grantor is presently incompetent, you need a judicial guardianship.