I’m feeling really overwhelmed right now. My father recently passed away, and as his only child, I’m trying to navigate a complicated situation. There was no will, and while I moved out a few years ago, my mom continued living in the house with him despite their divorce. I never took the steps to probate the house or transfer it into my name, which I know will create issues if I decide to file a claim with State Farm later on.
The condition of the house has deteriorated significantly under my mom’s care. Before my dad’s passing, the place was already in rough shape—with bubbling and sunken floors. After the upstairs toilet overflowed, the kitchen chandelier even fell. In the two decades he lived there, my dad only made one claim to get new carpet, but that never addressed the underlying problems. Now there are holes in the ceilings, floors, and walls, and I’ve discovered that there are rats in the house; you can hear them scratching in the walls.
The back deck is falling apart and has detached from the house. I feel so sorry for my mom, but I’m at a loss for where to start with fixing everything or who to contact for help. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Edit: I suspect that the holes and the issues with the sunken and swollen floors might be related to some kind of leak, possibly underneath the house—but I’m not sure. I know insurance won’t cover getting rid of rats or pests, but I’m curious if any of the other damage could be covered if it’s linked to something like a leak.
I’m so sorry to hear about your father’s passing and the situation you’re facing with the house. It sounds really overwhelming, especially with the emotional weight of loss and the added stress of dealing with property issues.
Regarding whether to file a claim or fix things out of pocket, here are a few steps to consider:
Assess the Damage: It might be helpful to get a professional assessment of the damage in the house. This could give you a clearer idea of what needs fixing and how serious the issues are.
Contact State Farm: Even though your dad didn’t have a recent claim, it might still be worth contacting State Farm to discuss the current state of the house and see if there are any coverage options for the damages, especially if they arise from a leak or other covered peril. They can guide you on the claims process and what documentation you’ll need.
Consult a Public Adjuster: If you’re unsure about how to proceed with a claim, consider hiring a public adjuster. They can help evaluate the damages and assist you in navigating the insurance process.
Look into Repairs: If it turns out that filing a claim may not be beneficial, or if there are costs not covered by insurance (like the rats), gathering estimates from contractors for repair work can give you a sense of the financial burden you might be facing. This will help you decide whether to use insurance or pay out of pocket.
Consider Legal Advice: Since your dad passed without a will and your mom is living in the house, you might want to consult with a lawyer about probate and the legal implications of the property. This will help you understand your rights and responsibilities.
Seek Support: Lastly, don’t hesitate to reach out to friends or family for support. This is a tough time, and having someone to talk to or even help you out physically with the house can ease the burden a bit.
I hope you find a path forward that works for you and your mom. Take care of yourself during this challenging time.