Ex-stepdad Got Rid Of All My Dead Mom's Belongings.

Location: IL, USA

Hi there,

My mother passed away in January of this year. She and my step-dad had been divorced for around a decade, but he owned the house she lived in, consigned for her car, arranged her funeral, and so on. I am her only child.

While dealing with her passing and all those affairs, I asked him (let's call him SD) repeatedly if she had an attorney, a will, any accounting/financial info I need to know about, property in her name, etc. I was placate and told he'll handle it and tell me everything I need to know when the proverbial dust settles.

Mom's sketchy bestie gave away her pets without my consent, despite us agreeing in writing that I would handle that. To this day, I have no idea what happened to the dog and cat.

When my partner and I were flying back home after the funeral and whatnot, SD and I discussed on several occasions that I want more of her things from her home. He was well aware we would be moving to Chicago at the end of June/early July. These are items ranging from small, sentimental things to designer retail and the artwork she created over her lifetime. She was my mom. Call me what you want, but I wanted as much as I could have. SD knew we'd be moving halfway across the country, we talked about how he'd hang on to everything for me, that I'd be able to furnish a whole new home with what she left behind, etc. He knew this. I can't find the messages right this moment but I have several witnesses who were present during these conversations.

Today, I text him a happy belated birthday and a little update on my move. I tell him I have a UHaul for extra days and extra miles at no additional cost and we could arrange for me to get a bulk of mom's things this week. He tells me everything has been donated. Everything.

I am waiting for him to tell me if he got rid of her artwork, too, but I'm sure he knows I'm livid and is waiting for a different time to respond.

What the hell do I do from here? I had plans for all these items, the furniture, the art, THE GODDAMN ANIMALS (my only living connection to her, forever)... I'm so mad and can't even begin to process next steps right now.

Thank you for your time.