Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Michigan

Kids don't want deceased aunt's property

My aunt died and her 4 kids do not want her old cabin--none of them want to pay the $3000 in back taxes. They gutted the house and left it to go back on taxes (on April 1, 2008). They don't care if I pay the taxes or not and they say that none of them are interested in keeping the place. How long would I have to pay the taxes, before I could--if ever--be considered the owner? The property would have become the property of the State-- had I not just paid the delinquent taxes--and it would have been auctioned to the highest bidder this summer. I can't get all of them to sign off on the property because they think that one of the other siblings is trying to pull something. That's just how they think and there's nothing I can do. The house is worth $20,000 in it's current condition and I'm the only one who cares about it. I'm in Michigan.


Asked on 4/01/08, 6:57 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Renee Walsh LawRefs Nonprofit

Re: Kids don't want deceased aunt's property

Paying the taxes does not allow you to become an owner of the property. When your aunt died, the trustee or the personal representative should have signed over the house via a deed, to the rightful parties.

The facts suggest that you need a lawyer and/or court intervention. The court could compel action.

If you are not in a position to hire a lawyer or go to court, consider not paying the taxes, letting them go again and at the auction, be the highest bidder.

If you would like further information or assistance, please contact me via my website at www.lawrefs.com.

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Answered on 4/01/08, 7:18 pm


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