In a recently purchased home there is a small wood-burning stove that we want to remove.

I have a question or two for which I'd appreciate some feedback...

Are the flues typically supported by the stove itself, or is there supposed to be some support elsewhere, like in the attic space?

If the later, I was going to simply remove the stove and flue up to the ceiling, and allow the flue to remain above until I wish to address it's removal, which of course will involve roof repair. I'd ideally like to not have to do that now...

After a looking in the attic and some flue cutting inside the house, I surmise that the weight of the flue is on the stove. If so, it seems that if we want this thing out, everything must go now...

I will attempt to attach a couple photos.

Thanks much.