Without a will, her estate will have to go through probate.
The executor has to defend the estate. They will have to hire an attorney to settle the case.
Someone else will be appointed the executor. The probate court will appoint someone, usually a bank or attorney, if no one 'volunteers' to do the work.
When a will has been filed for probate, there is a short period at the commencement of a probate proceeding when it may be contested. Any objection must be filed with the court during that period or the right to object is lost.
The probate of an intestate estate is commenced when someone files a Petition for Administration.
It does not happen automatically. Someone has to file for the probate to be opened.
You need to consult with an attorney who is familiar with property law and probate law in your state ASAP.
Once a will has been filed for probate it becomes a public record. If the will was filed for probate you can visit the probate court, request the file and read the will. If the will was not probated then you have no right to read it and will need to ask someone in possession of the will for permission.
Apply to the probate court. The forms typically have a place where someone can ask to be appointed as executor. Consult a probate attorney in your jurisdiction for specifics.
In Australia the Aboriginal culture has been brought up referring to close siblings as a wild grandma
A bank can not foreclose on a deceased person. A bank forecloses on a piece of property when the mortgage has not been paid. There is a difference. If the deceased person had the money in the bank to pay the mortgage and the will is in probate, someone should tell the probate judge about the situation. In this state the probate judge has the authority to pay the mortgage. He also has the authority to make the car payment. The probate judge will not do anything unless someone tells him!
2nd cousin
An heir has no right to refuse. Debtors can apply to the probate court for someone to become executor and protect their rights and debts.