Kimmy,

My sympathies to you and all the family for the loss of your step-dad.
Sounds like things are turning a bit better with the estate situation.... that's a relief. I'm glad for you, as you have plenty going on as it is.

I'm not sure if this is the case with your step-dad but when my dad died----- he had cashed in his life insurance a few months before he died and gambled the money away-- he didn't have a will and he left my mom with debts and only $700 a month from social security. The thing is-- he didn't do all this to hurt my mom--- he just never thought of those things...... he was a "live in the moment" type person and I think the idea of making a will scared him. Maybe your step-dad was similar--- perhaps the idea of dying scared him away from updating his will?? and wasn't done intentionally to hurt anyone......

I really hope things work out well for your mom so you can have some peace of mind in that regard. I'm thinking of you and if you need a shoulder I'm just a PM away.

mandy