State - South Carolina

Mom passed in September, with no will. I am her representative. Probate has startd, done the newspaper notice and turned in the inventory.

Insurance went to father as benficiary, bank accounts were joint with father as well. Their home is owned jointly but without the right of survivorship clause, there is a mortgage on the home. They also jointly own a few undeveloped lots without the right of survivorship clause. She owns a car that is paid for and of course personal items.

I was told by probate court that I need to have everything out of her name by the time the 8 month probate period ends. There are 3 outstanding credit card bills, a mortgage, several doctor, ambulance and hospital bills due. Funeral expenses were paid by my father from insurance proceeds, and he has filed a claim against the estate to reimbursed.

Should I sell her car and personal items and put the money in an estate account? Do I pay her debts with that money now or wait and see who files a claim? Since father already filed a claim, do I pay him first?

The undeveloped lots will never sell, they are very sloped, wooded and in a neighborhood that has become crack alley. Is their home in jeopardy of being sold to pay debts?