My dad died a few years ago leaving his house to my step mother and I. They lived in his house in a Mediterranean country. She apparently rented it out in order to pay for various repairs and every time I have contacted her has made a point of telling me about new faults with the property that she has only just managed to pay for. I myself have no spare money to cover these repairs so couldn't help much which made me feel guilty and a bit useless here in the UK. However I was pleased that she was maintaining it and that she could get the costs covered by the tenants.
Whenever I have broached her about selling it she's tried to put me off by saying eg. that did I realised my estranged brother would need to be included in the will under the laws of that country (fell out with parents years beforehand, not included in their will), or that it would cost us both a lot to put it through probate and even then we could necessarily sell it (possibly true to be fair).
A coupe of years ago she met another man who she says is well off. She's on Facebook having had trips around the world and cosmetic surgery. She would probably say he paid but tbh we've spoken less and less, despite me trying. I do wonder if she is trying to avoid my asking questions about her lifestyle. I think she's probably just spending the rent money.
I avoided dealing with this head on throughout two pregnancies as it was still raw for me and I didn't want an awakened situation or fight. Eventually my partner approached her to enquire about dad's will (we don't have a copy) and her boyfriend (?) send an unsigned copy. He's chased her for a signed one since then purely so we can sort our own wills etc and know where we stand with it all but she just doesn't engage.
I am getting to point where I just want it wrapped up. I think it's clear she is profiting off rental and given I can't be there to maintain the properly I haven't begrudged her this at all. But also it is getting to point where she's rented it for longer than she was with my dad and I'd like things settled or if it can't be sold, I'd like a minor cut of rent as a co owner. I feel like she can easily forge repair recipes to avoid having to pay me anything. If the property was falling to bits surely she wouldn't be able to find stable tenants? Knowing nothing of law in that country I don't know where to begin. You may think I've buried head for too long and true I have, but out of sight out of mind and I felt so weirdly guilty and grubby about the whole thing, I didn't want it to appear as if that's all I cared about.
any advice really appreciated, sorry for the ramble.