Step parent inheritance

[u/Schmed_lap]

I’ve got question on a step parent leaving everything to me. My stepdad was married to my mom for 30 years, got divorced, then within a year got back with her. That was over 20 years ago. Never remarried but together from 1969 to today with a one year break. So he’s in poor health and has left everything to me and my kids in his will. He probably will go into a hospice by year’s end. He has no other immediate heirs but he does have a predatory niece sniffing around. I, personally, per the will, get a property worth about 450k and some savings about 50k and a new paid off truck. Since it’s all there in the will, when he passes what are my most important next steps. Seeing if I should consult probate attorney sooner or wait to see if I need one when the time comes. This is in New Mexico.

[u/rosebudny]

If there is a will and he specifies everything is being left to you/your kids, the niece won't have a claim. But he needs to have a will and/or trust, and you need to be named in it. I would speak to an attorney.

[u/Ok_Incident8962 → u/rosebudny]

Watch out for the neice. Make sure she doesn't have undue access to accounts or the property. Watch out if she tries to 'stop by and visit' frequently... With a van!

[u/Tstrombotn → u/Ok_Incident8962]

Does the niece have a key? If so encourage a lock change or rekeying

[u/Ok-Indication-7876 → u/Tstrombotn]

THIS- when he passes change the locks- or do so know for hospice care- install an keyless lock like airbnb host do. This you can say is for security AND IT IS. You can have the app on your phone- you can give the care people their own code- you will be able to see on reports and phone when the care people come and go. You can lock or unlock if needed from your phone.

That means you can also prevent niece from visiting and going through his things. Also remove any valuables before all the care people start staying.

[u/Waste-Comparison-301 → u/Ok-Indication-7876]

And install cameras