How doI get family members to leave my house?

First of all, regardless of what your mother promised you, the laws of the state where that she was domiciled in at the time of her death will control.  This is because your mother died without a Will (i.e. "intestate").  This means that her estate will be divided according to state intestacy laws.  Typically, this means that the estate will be divided among a surviving spouse, if any, and the deceased's children.  However, since your mother and father were already divorced at the time of her death, he has no legal standing to inherit.  This means that you (and your siblings, if any) would inherit your mother's estate, including the home.

A family member who is occupying your home may be considered a tenant regardless of whether a lease was signed or rent was paid.  In most jurisdictions the law provides that if the occupant paid for things like utilities or food, the payment of these expenses can be considered “rent”. Accordingly, some state laws will treat them as a “tenant”. To remove them from the premises a formal eviction proceeding (“unlawful detainer action”) will need to be filed as in any other landlord-tenant relationship.

If no form of rent has been paid (which appears to be your situation) many states permit the owner to simply ask the friend to leave and remove their belongings without any legal proceedings. However, in other states, someone who enters a home and stays with permission will be classified as a “licensee”. This status grants the occupant more rights than a general “guest.” To revoke the permission to remain on the property, a formal eviction will be needed.

Before suit can be filed, however, the occupant must first be served with a notice to vacate (or “notice to quit”) the premises. This is a more formal way of asking the person to leave the home. In some states this notice can be for a little as 3 days prior, in others as much as 30 days. Additionally, each state has its own rules regarding how and when to serve the notice. Be sure to follow all legally required steps. If the occupant fails to leave by the requested date, an action for eviction can be filed. The judge will issue an order of eviction and a writ of possession (or your state’s equivalent). The order will usually set a vacate date. If the occupant still refuses to leave in violation of the order, law enforcement can then be called. They will remove the occupant, using physical force if necessary.

At this point you need to consult with a probate attorney, to make sure that you have legal title to the house; and you also need to speak with a landlord-tenant attorney as to the eviction.