Could use some more prayers

Stay strong Julie. Both Rich and your MIL are together now and watching over you. I know the desire to say "heck with it" and light up are powerful. I've been there myself but everytime I've caved in, I've regretted it dearly.

I'm sorry about another sad loss for you, but living to the age of 97 and then passing in my sleep is a testament to how loved and cared for she was. I'm sure you did everything you could to care for her, but it was time for her to join her son.

It's sad that this can bring out the worst in people, especially when it comes to money. I thought my neice and nephew were going to contest my dad's trust too, but the lawyers assured it us that we had nothing to worry about. Fortunately, they were right. It wasn't that I wanted the money but I did want my dad's wishes honored and they hadn't even had time to call or visit him for several years before he died. They didn't even come to his funeral

I hope that things don't get ugly for you but having 2 more angels looking out for you should help. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

They are saying they want her property for sentimental reasons not the money. I  am seriously considering seeing if I can give it to them with the stipulation they can't sell it and one of them must live there. I don't want to fight with them I just want them out of my life at this point. What I would love to do with it is sell it, keep some for my retirement as she and Rich wanted ,but also donate some to alzheimer's research and the oral  cancer foundation. Those two diseases killed her children and when Rich died she had just gave up.

Juliekay, that is so ugly.  And I'm so sorry Rich's mother passed so soon after Rich.  May she be at peace now.

People can behave so shockingly and insensitively - at the funeral home!  So inappropriate.  I think you need to take a little time before taking action.  I think it is noble and good of you to consider such actions, but you need to proceed with caution and the help of a financial advisor.

cakana

On the other hand, if it was left to you and you need it to live comfortably, then don't allow yourself to be guilted into doing something that isn't in your best interest or what Rich or your MIL would've wanted.

Excellent advice, Julie.  Wow.  There's just something about the idea of inheriting anything that seems to bring out the absolute worst in some people and making major decisions while you're under stress could wind up being disasterous for you. An attorney or financial advisor is definitely in order. You need someone to look after you ... let the vultures look out for themselves.

Joyce

Oh honey.  Just what you needed was more heart ache.  I'm so sorry.

The children can BUY the property if it has so much sentimental value to them, but YOU need to defend the will and YOU need to look out for yourself.  Get a good lawyer and let him work on contingency if need be, but don't let these little vultures cheat you out of financial security.

Lots of hugs coming your way, along with those prayers and good vibes.

Thanks everyone I made it though the service. I have spoken to the lawyer who drew up the will. He has told me  they are wasting their time if they try and that he will help me get it theough  the probate system. Thanks for reminding me about defending myself. Both  my MIL and Rich wanted me to have it and both said I could give the kids anything I wanted depending on their attitude. Two  girls are being jerks and his son is just being very quiet and standing back to see what happens. I only thought of the stipulation on the property because I know thats not what they want Trust me It wasn't a noble thought.

How dare those little vultures pull this crap???  You've had so much happen in the past year and a half and by golly someone needs to *itch slap those girls!  I'll volunteer.  And I'll bring my six german shepherds to back me up.  Sheba might even get a nip or two in.

Juliekay, I'm so sorry to hear that you've been faced with another loss so soon after Rich's death.  It's tragic that other family members are behaving in such a horrible manner to add to an already difficult time for you.  People can turn into monsters over wills and estates.  The worst thing I ever saw was when a family friend of ours passed away.  She had two daughters -- one who took great care of her and the other who lived far away and rarely visited, but made sure she was involved in all the funeral activities.  She was taking things out of her mother's home immediately after the funeral service (when family and friends were gathering at the home).  She actually asked a woman nursing her baby to get out of a rocking chair that she wanted to load into the trailer! 

I can't add to the excellent advice others have given here.  Stay strong, and remember that you have a couple special angels watching over you now. 

People do soooooo suck sometimes.  I'm going to add a big DITTO to everything everyone said.  Hold your own ground -- you know you have what your mother-in-law WANTED on your side -- and so where was everyone else when she needed help??

OMG!  I'm so horrified by these girls.  Stand your ground!  Your MIL & Rich knew what they wanted.  Who are these brats to question the Will.  I'm soooooooooo sorry you have to go through this on top of losing so many loved ones in such a short time frame.  I'm glad you contacted your MIL's lawyer & he's got your back.  You are a STRONG woman.  You can get through this with your head held HIGH & no back sliding on the smoking.  You've come soooooooo far.  ((TIGHT HUGS))

Hang in there Juliekay.  As soon as they figure out they're not getting anything, they'll be out of your life again.  Greedy sun of a guns. 

Nothing upsets me more as when people drop out of no where and want something that isn't there's.  You MIL made that will and her wishes are what she wanted.  I do know that wills are NOT easily contested and lawyer make sure of it when they draw them.  So stand your ground, you actually don't have t do anything - the law will uphold the Will's wishes!  Sorry for your losses - my condolences

I just don't understand how people can do that and not feel like gold diggers.

Just a quick update. Friday is the first hearing in probate court as they are trying to contest the will. They are saying she wasn't capable of understanding and  Rich and I had too much influnence on her. Now mind you the will was done  six years ago and she made durable powers of attornny and her living will at the same time and they never argued about those. Also 3 years ago when Rich first became ill they tried to get her to change it and she refused.

Friday was her burial  if it wasn't sad it would be funny. The mourners were difinetly divided into two unspeaking  groups. It really made me feel ill, Richs  ex was there who  despise her and swore she would dance on her grave. Of course she didn't dance or anything I just knew how Jenny would have hated the thought of her there. Also they seem to think it will help their cause by bad mouthing Rich.

I'm not really sure if they stand a chance or not. Most people I have heard from say they don't, but I have seen to many things not go as they should to have much faith in that. Anyway i just keep telling myself either way it goes i can live with that. They will have to live with  their choice to do this and what comes around... I do know that unless the court demands it they won't be getting a darn thing from me. They done really peed me off talking bad about Rich