My stepfather died recently after living with my mother for 25 years. They weren’t actually married, so I wondered what she was entitled to as regards the house, which I believe was in joint names, and his estate. His son from his first marriage is now making a claim.
If the house was in joint names it will now belong to your mother by survivorship and won’t fall into your stepfather’s estate. I take it your stepfather didn’t make a will. In that case, under intestacy rules his son inherits everything else, assuming your stepfather was no longer married to his first wife. Your mother can make a claim on the estate but it would be better to sort something out with the son. See a solicitor to work out a fair settlement. Time limits may apply.