@Campizi67 - I will attempt to answer some of your questions. It was CV that purchased the Jeep while he was still alive but TR did claim to drive it from TX to AZ - I am not sure if she was alone during the drive or not.
Emancipation is really a legal term that is quite a difficult process for juveniles to endure. In my State, the teen must prove they are 1) going to school full time, 2) working part time, 3) able to pay for their rent/food/electricity/everything by themselves on their own. If they prove they can sustain this and accomplish all on their own they can petition the court to emancipate them from their parent. It would not be in LVD's benefit if her child emancipates from her as the child is saying they're not being cared for/supported by the parent and the teen can do a better job for themselves than their parent has done for them and are asking the court to treat them as if they were an adult before turning 18.
TR would have been eligible for Social Security survivor benefits of JR (as would have JJ under CV's wages). I guess LVD decided she wanted the big insurance payouts instead of small monthly sums.
JMO