Van Alstyne, TX Estate Planning Law Firms & Lawyers

First of all, I'm sorry to hear of your loss. The man who adopted you at two years old is legally your father. As such, you are entitled to inherit from him. You don't say if your father left behind a will or not, but if he did, that would dictate what you're specifically entitled to from his estate. If he did not leave a will, you are still entitled to inherit from your father, although the intestate succession laws would determine what percentage of his estate you are entitled to. I strongly recommend you have a consultation with an attorney in the area where he lived to discuss your options further. Good luck.

Your power of attorney has nothing to do with your mother's debts. Debts are generally addressed by the estate of the person who passed away. You may become responsible for debt if you were a co-signer or otherwise responsible for the debt along with the person who dies.  As for credit cards with your husband, that may be considered community debt.  You may write your wishes down, but it would be better to have formal Wills drafted to decrease the problems that could arise with any other type of Will you may draft on your own.

You and your other siblings can refuse to accept your shares of that part of your mother's estate if the estate is still open. Or you can sell your shares to your brother.