Dear MarketWatch, My father died in 2019 without a will in Ohio. He has property, and a home. I’ve lived on the property and in the home since 2016. Nothing has been filed in probate court. I’ve been taking care of all funeral costs and debts, maintaining the property, and paying property taxes, on top of filing my father’s last tax return.
My brother has done nothing, except to take multiple items belonging to my father the day after he died. He still takes items when I am not at home. Some of these items don’t even belong to my father. He also keeps telling me what I can and can’t do with the property. My father had wishes to make his land a family cemetery to ensure all his kids and grandkids had a place to go. So my question is: What should I do? Should I file probate papers in court? Signed, Offended in Ohio ‘The Big Move’ is a MarketWatch column looking at the ins and outs of real estate, from navigating the search for a new home to applying for a mortgage. Do you have a question about buying or selling a home? Do you want to know where your next move should be? Email Aarthi Swaminathan at [email protected] Offended, Sincere condolences on the passing of your father. First things first: You need to set boundaries with your brother. You’v …