Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Massachusetts

Guardianship of minor

I was wondering if there's anything I can do in this situation. My best friend's daughter (whom I consider my niece) owns a house that was willed to her. She's 9yrs old and it's outright deeded to her. Her mother (my friend) is not very responsible and didn't pay the taxes for 6+ yrs, now it's at the point where the city foreclosed and said she has 1yr right of redemption. My friend's credit is horrible, mine's not bad. I was wondering if I would have any right to step in so the child doesn't end up losing her home. Maybe apply for guardianship and be able to obtain a home equity loan, or maybe her mother can sell it to me, I get a mortgage for 33k and it goes directly to the city. The city wants the keys handed over and everyone out June 17. Also I rent the 1st floor from her if that matters. Last issue to make it more complex, the city red-tagged the building due to past construction w/o permits and no one's technically supposed to live here. Any ideas how to save this little girl from losing her house? I don't think her mom can get an equity loan due to the deed belonging to the child, but it seems crazy that she can just essentially squander it away. Also want to know my rights as a tenant in a foreclosed ''red-tagged'' apt.


Asked on 5/20/09, 9:10 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Warren Wood Law Offices of Warren Wood

Re: Guardianship of minor

Unfortunately, the response to your question is at once urgent and legally complex. This matter must be addressed by a lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney interposed between you and the City may buy you proper time to effectively "cure" the various elements of this problem (including the issue of guardianship of a minor"), and bring this tragic situation to a better, if not "happy" ending.

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Answered on 5/20/09, 11:42 pm
Warren Wood Law Offices of Warren Wood

Re: Guardianship of minor

Unfortunately, the response to your question is at once urgent and legally complex. This matter must be addressed by a lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney interposed between you and the City may buy you proper time to effectively "cure" the various elements of this problem (including the issue of guardianship of a minor"), and bring this tragic situation to a better, if not "happy" ending.

Read more
Answered on 5/20/09, 11:42 pm
Warren Wood Law Offices of Warren Wood

Re: Guardianship of minor

Unfortunately, the response to your question is at once urgent and legally complex. This matter must be addressed by a lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney interposed between you and the City may buy you proper time to effectively "cure" the various elements of this problem (including the issue of guardianship of a minor"), and bring this tragic situation to a better, if not "happy" ending.

Read more
Answered on 5/20/09, 11:42 pm


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