Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Kentucky
If my father was married, joint owner of home with wife, she died after he did, she had no children but had brother and sisters, I have kept property and not notified her relatives that they own 3/4, what is my liability, consequences if they find out?
1 Answer from Attorneys
It is not possible to give you a clear legal answer to your inquiry without a more detailed evaluation of the facts of your case. A great deal depends upon whether your father or his wife (I assume, not your mother) had last wills and testaments. If their house was in joint survivorship, then the wife would have inherited 100% of the ownership, and you have no interest in the property. As you describe your situation, it appears that you are trespassing on real estate belonging to your father's wife's heirs. You need to talk with a lawyer immediately.
You should not take any action, based upon my advice, without consulting an attorney and explaining all the facts to him. You are best advised to seek the services of a competent Kentucky attorney. You can telephone your local bar association for a referral, or can find a good lawyer on-line at the Kentucky Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service:
http://www.kybar.org/Default.aspx?tabid=291
Good luck!
Thomas A. McAdam, III
Attorney at Law
234 South Fifth Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
(502) 584-7255