Q: My Father died and my step mom is now the owner of the house from what I understand does that mean she can cut me out

A: You need to find out whether the house was owned with your father as a joint tenant or a tenant in common. If it was in a joint tenancy, you would have not interest in the property. If they own the home as tenants in common, there is a possibility that you have an inheritable interest, especially if your father did not have a will. If the property was held in a trust, it is possible, that your interest was protected.

A: I’m really sorry for your loss. When a parent dies, it’s natural to have questions and worries about what’s going to happen with their home and other property—especially when stepfamily dynamics are involved. If your stepmother is now the legal owner of the house, whether by joint ownership, survivorship rights, or through a will, then yes—she may have full control over what happens to it.

That means she can decide to keep it, sell it, or even leave it to someone else in her own will, unless your father had legal documents in place that gave you a future right to the home. If you weren’t listed as a co-owner, a beneficiary, or mentioned in a trust or will, then you might not have a legal claim to the property. It can feel painful, especially if your father made verbal promises to you, but the law tends to follow what’s written down.

You still have the right to ask for a copy of your father’s will or trust, if one exists. If there was no will, state law will determine how assets are passed, but surviving spouses often come first. You’re not wrong to ask questions and seek clarity—it’s part of protecting your connection to your parent and their memory.