1) Once one of the parents die, you then have the option of passing the house on to one of the children. Once you do, they live there alone until they marry and start a family. Anyone who was left in the house at the time of the transition (other parent, children still at home) are gone.

2) Highest career level is 8.

3) As far as I know, animals live forever. They may run away, but they come back.

4) No cemetery.

GL and enjoy your game!