We both inherited the house but she did minimal care of him. She is married and has a nice home. I retired early to move in with him and take care of him. How should I handle this without causing a fight? She was his POA and is the executor of his will.
The moral of this tale is that greed knows no boundaries where certain individuals are concerned and money can easily discriminate against blood. Oh and when my uncle died he left my mother nothing yet left various girlfriends money,art, and property.
However, if the will says you inherit equally, then that's perfectly legal.
This article may help others who are closer to the beginning of their caregiving journey: https://www.agingcare.com/articles/personal-care-agreements-compensate-family-caregivers-181562.htm
I would fight. Of course fighting is not without cost. Can you afford a legal fight? That won't be cheap. People have given you many good ideas such as billing the estate for your time. That has worked for other people. Much of this depends on the laws in your state. Some laws allow for the child caregiver to continue living in the home after the parent passes. If your state does, then you may be able to keep living there indefinitely. You need to at least consult a lawyer.
I guess much of this will come down to the probate judge. Since you only mention will, it's going to probate unless the house isn't worth very much.
see what your mortgage options are, and whether they're affordable for you
or
agree to sell the house and take your 50% share of the proceeds.
Your sister is married and has a nice home. What about it? Lucky her. If you felt that the sacrifices you were making for your father should have been recognised financially, you should have said so at the time to him. Sorry, but tough.
H'mm... During your caregiving years, what were the financial arrangements then? Who paid for what, were you paid for providing care, did you contribute to utilities, taxes and so on or were you living there free of charge?
You could bill the estate for the care you provided? Live-in caregivers do not share, usually, in household expenses. I would definitely consult an attorney.
But Glad has a good suggestion of billing the estate for the caregiving you have done. This is something you could talk to an attorney about, but... I think it's too late now, personally, though I'd still inquire about it if I were you.
Getting a Caregiver Agreement in place when you're starting, and doing, the caregiving is important. I wish I had better advice for you at this stage of things.
Would a letter outlining all the hardships and energy expended during the past 10 years be something that your sister would take into consideration, and perhaps she would be moved to accept less than an equal half of things?
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