This question addresses a highly complicated legal situation.
In retrospect, the best way to effectuate the desires of the father in this situation would have been to change the property’s Deed to grant a ‘life estate’ to the stepmother, with a remainder interest to the children. That way, the mother was free to reside in the home for the duration of her life and upon her death the ownership would have passed to the children.
But even in the probate of the estate after the father’s death, such a situation can be created. If the father used a Will rather than a Deed to convey his wishes, the probate process itself can be utilized to create the same ‘life estate’ result, with a life interest being transferred from the probate estate to the stepmother while she is alive and a remainder interest to the children after she passes.
Either way, both of these process can be complicated and the use of a qualified attorney is highly recommended.