I have two small children so I need to hold it together. It was a sudden unexpected death and we are all still in shock I think. If I give myself time to think I cry, I have to try to keep myself busy at all costs. I know he is around in spirit I think I have felt his presence but I feel there may have been foul play in his death and my step mother only of 1 1/2 years does not want to include me and my brothers in with what's happening with the probate lawyers, I feel she is up to no good . My dad would not be pleased. Any advice? Please help

You have posted on the legal boards, not a personal board, and I am assuming you are seeking legal advice. If it appears there has been foul play you should speak to the medical examiner, the Physician who pronounced your father dead, the Police, whoever was called to the scene.

She does not have to include you in conversations with the probate Attorney. She is the next of kin. Of course, your father's Will is what will prevail (matter). You will be advised of the probate proceedings by the probate court.

You say your father would not be pleased. Is she going against his wishes, against his Will?

I note that you have posted on the Paranormal board that you have had bad feelings about your stepmother from the beginning. Is it possible that she has picked up on your "bad feelings" and, therefore, is not willing to cooperate with you now? She also may well be grieving - I was widowed. It's not easy to lose your husband. You have both lost someone you loved.

I would wait to get the probate papers, review them and then try to proceed.

On a personal note - what is it that you need to find some personal peace, some closing, some acceptance? There are many of us who post on the "bereavement" thread who have lost someone dear to us and have various methods of simply surviving the loss.

How can we help you?