Legally none. At least not as you've described the situation. Practically you could try doing what he says. After all isn't he paying the bills.

If there were a TRUST at the time of passing, the successor Trustee should have managed this -- it would NOT have gone through or been the responsibility of the Estate representatives.

This highlights the importance of people keeping their records in order to insure their heirs will know... View More

Your step-mother may, or may not, be able to take the items that are listed in yours and his names. It depends on when the item was purchased, and how title to that items got into your and his names. If the item was purchased before he and your stepmother were married, then it is... View More

There are resources available to help you. For starters, the Iowa Judicial Branch has forms available for folks to represent themselves. Link: http://www.iowacourts.gov/For_the_Public/Representing_Yourself_in_Court/DivorceFamily_Law/Forms/index.asp Also, the Iowa State Bar Association has a... View More

It is probably not illegal for your mom to threaten to kill herself. If she threatened you, that would be illegal. However, you might considering calling a suicide prevention hotline and asking for help. The police may also be able to help.

You technically can do that yourself, but I think it's worth your getting a legal consultation to make sure that you get a checklist/don't miss a step.

LAMBDA may have a local group that could assist. Other than that, you pay for publication of a legal notice, pay for a court... View More

Not likely, as long as you two are not doing anything illegal including him having you out past a city or town curfew, and your parents tell you that you can't leave the house but you do to go hang out with him, it is unlikely he gets arrested for you two simply being in the same vicinity of... View More

It is not necessary to sell your mobile home in order to evict your mother. There is an eviction process which a lawyer can help you with. The lawyer is allowed contact with the protected party and can therefore effectuate the eviction.

Your options are few and very difficult to achieve. You could attempt to establish a guardianship in Iowa if that is where she is living. Her parents would have to consent to the guardianship if you can't prove that they are unfit. Even though she is 16 it doesn't mean she gets to pick... View More

There is a difference between which of you has primary custody and who is the actual primary caregiver. If the former is what the school wants, the decree is what they would need. If they want the latter, the judge probably wouldn't know in any event.

These are not just basic questions about the law. It was a civil case of child neglect, not a criminal one. It will not be easy for her to get more time, in my opinion.

No. Unless the children are being adopted, his duty to pay child support doesn't depend upon whether he has any "parental rights", or whether he has attempted to "sign away" such rights.

I expect that the courthouse doesn't have the authority to make such a correction. Why is it important to you?

If not married to him and no orders in place then yes you can move, otherwise no. You should still get a custody Order. Use of a lawyer is recommended.