Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Kentucky
Who does the property belong to?
My grandparents own property and a substantial amount of land in Kentucky, however, my grandfather has been deceased for over 40 years and my grandmother is too ill to live in the house any longer. At this point I am not certain who's name is on the deed of the house. My deceased father always told me that the house was in his name and his mother's name. My grandparents had been divorced over 50 years, so it is difficult for me to believe the house was still in my grandfather's name all these years later. The problem begins here...my aunt recently contacted me because she wants to purchase the house and she needs my sister and I to sign paperwork that her attorney drew up so she can purchase our father's share of the house. She claims the house is in her parents name and she purchased my grandmother's part of the house for $5,000 and she would like to purchase her father's half (which goes to my father's decedents) for $5,000. I know the house and land are worth close to $100,000, if not more. How can I find out who's name the house is in? Also, my sister and I both live out of state and I assume we will need to find a real estate attorney in Kentucky to handle this matter for us. Any suggest, please let me know.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Who does the property belong to?
Having a Kentucky attorney, preferably one who practices in the county where the property is situated, would be highly advisable. In any event, you must determine the status of title -- not only in whose name or names it stands, but also whether there are liens or other clouds on title; and you also need a competent appraisal. Don't sign anything until you have the title info and the appraisal; otherwise you'll have no way to tell whether the offer is fair or not.
Re: Who does the property belong to?
The answers to your questions can be located at the county clerk's office in the county in which the land is located. Without experience, these records are overwhelming. If you have an attorney where you live, he/she can assist you in locating someone to check the tite and resolve your questions. Since you appear to be internet savvy, you might try using a search engine to locate someone.
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