[NittanyLion]

The house was the stepfather's and upon your mother's death, his family should inherit. The attorney says that anything within the house goes with it, so move it all out! Have the sale now or put it all in storage. Buy or rent cheap throwaway furniture for your mother's use. Don't leave anything in there that the vultures can't have when the time comes.

I guess it's a matter of perspective. Personally, I'd sooner lose it all than have my mother spend her remaining days on "cheap throwaway furniture". I'd forfeit the entire estate in order to ensure her comfort for the few years she has left.

[HairOfTheDog]

I guess it's a matter of perspective. Personally, I'd sooner lose it all than have my mother spend her remaining days on "cheap throwaway furniture". I'd forfeit the entire estate in order to ensure her comfort for the few years she has left.

Exactly. And since it seems nothing has emotional value, even the OP is talking about it in terms of selling it all, it's really nickels and dimes for everyone. Even nice furniture and jewelry is used furniture and jewelry when it is stripped of it's emotional value as a momento. While estate sales can net a lot more than some might think,in the big scheme of things it's pocket change and not worth stressing out over.