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Psycho Dad · 10-29-2005, 08:09 AM

I’ve got some questions as to who may be the legal owner of a house that has been in my family for many years. The house has no real value that anyone could be concerned with, but I can foresee some problems arising soon concerning who should be responsible for what in regards to taxes and whatnot.

Over 30 years ago, my grandmother passed away and apparently my father and his brother shared the possession of her house from that time. At any rate that is what I understand as far as property taxes are concerned as that is who is listed as being responsible for the property taxes. From the time that grandma died, one specific cousin has lived there either by herself or with another cousin. Through the years someone (and I’m assuming it has been my father) has paid the property taxes on the house. My uncle has been dead for nearly 15 years now leaving I assume only my father as the owner of the property. However when taxes are due, my uncle’s name still remains on the tax rolls.

My dad said he made a promise to his brother that my cousin could live in the house as long as she kept the property taxes paid up for it. I can respect that promise and see no reason to make him go back on it. However it has come to my attention that the last few years my cousins have been badgering dad to pay the taxes to prevent the property from coming up for sheriff’s sale. Taxes this year are only $147 but I see no reason for my dad to have to pay this for my cousin.

Now that dad is nearly 80, I can see that there will be some dispute in the future were he to die as to who owns the property. I want nothing to do with the property or the troubles that will come from my cousin wanting to remain a freeloader in it.

My question is, since my uncle died, is my dad the sole owner of the property (my uncle had no will) or does dad share in the ownership with my cousins? If he is sole owner, that would make me think that the house legally becomes mine in the event of dad’s passing.

As I said, I want nothing to do with this property and I’m thinking that at this point my father should just pass ownership to my cousins and let it be entirely their problem. I just thought I’d see what the good people of TFP think before I make that move.

10-29-2005, 08:09 AM	#1 (permalink)
Psycho Dad Mulletproof Location: Some nucking fut house.	Property ownership question I’ve got some questions as to who may be the legal owner of a house that has been in my family for many years. The house has no real value that anyone could be concerned with, but I can foresee some problems arising soon concerning who should be responsible for what in regards to taxes and whatnot. Over 30 years ago, my grandmother passed away and apparently my father and his brother shared the possession of her house from that time. At any rate that is what I understand as far as property taxes are concerned as that is who is listed as being responsible for the property taxes. From the time that grandma died, one specific cousin has lived there either by herself or with another cousin. Through the years someone (and I’m assuming it has been my father) has paid the property taxes on the house. My uncle has been dead for nearly 15 years now leaving I assume only my father as the owner of the property. However when taxes are due, my uncle’s name still remains on the tax rolls. My dad said he made a promise to his brother that my cousin could live in the house as long as she kept the property taxes paid up for it. I can respect that promise and see no reason to make him go back on it. However it has come to my attention that the last few years my cousins have been badgering dad to pay the taxes to prevent the property from coming up for sheriff’s sale. Taxes this year are only $147 but I see no reason for my dad to have to pay this for my cousin. Now that dad is nearly 80, I can see that there will be some dispute in the future were he to die as to who owns the property. I want nothing to do with the property or the troubles that will come from my cousin wanting to remain a freeloader in it. My question is, since my uncle died, is my dad the sole owner of the property (my uncle had no will) or does dad share in the ownership with my cousins? If he is sole owner, that would make me think that the house legally becomes mine in the event of dad’s passing. As I said, I want nothing to do with this property and I’m thinking that at this point my father should just pass ownership to my cousins and let it be entirely their problem. I just thought I’d see what the good people of TFP think before I make that move. __________________ Don't always trust the opinions of experts.