DEAR BOB: When my father died about four years ago, his will specified his surviving wife (my stepmother) would receive a life estate in his luxury house. She now "rattles around" this 20-room house, which she is barely able to financially maintain. The property taxes are constantly in default, unless my lawyer pressures her to pay. When she passes on, or decides to vacate the house, I am the legal remainderman (although I am a woman) who will then receive clear title to this valuable house. more...