Mr. Green nailed the answer perfectly.

she files a Petition for Letters of Administration in the local probate court to get authority to manage the estate and make appropriate...

You need to file the claim for hypothyroidism w/ VA--it has been added as a presumptive condition from Agent Orange exposure, so just file the claim.

If she's competent, she can appoint you as her agent. If competency is lacking, you'll have to do a guardianship.

An attorney can assist during a 1013/1014, but individual rights are very limited during that process. It may not preclude APS involvement. ...

You can't unless your mother gave that authority to do so within the POA. If still competent, your mother can execute a new POA that replaces your...

My condolences--the county where she was residing at time of death.

Yes, you could well have a case for any additional costs incurred if the lease did not provide for this contingency. See a local apartment law...

Start the eviction process, he's known as a tenant at will.

Absolutely he can. Documentation has nothing to do with it,