Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Missouri

I'm a young entrepreneur. I purchased a house for my parents cash. My dad is a contractor and the deal was that he was supposed to fix it up enough to get a loan on the house, and give me my money back. This was supposed to happen 5-6 months after the purchase. To make the process easier we put the house in my fathers name.

It's been 2.5 years. Now my parents are getting a divorce and they are fighting over the house like it's theirs. They refuse to sell the house and get my money back.

I have no document as a signed deal for the house. However I have plenty of witnesses in the family of the deal and the arrangement. It was a verbal agreement.

What can I do to get my house back, or get my money back out of the house? (There's no loan on the house at all, I bought it cash, and we've never had any mortgages/loans against the house.)

P.S. I'm not sure what area of law this goes under.. so I took my best guess.


Asked on 7/11/11, 1:53 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony Smith LawSmith

Wha tyou did was probably good a Son, but unwise as a businesman. If your parents have filed for divorce, you may need to get a suit on file againsnt both of them ASAP. Hopefully, you will not have to have a trial agsindt your parents. But, you shoudl be prepared tht is might happen. The suit needs to be on file to put the divorce case judge on notice that your parents may not have clear title to the house, and he should not include it in the division of marital property, until your suit is resolved.

Yours is a tricky and sticky situation. The particular facts of each situation can alter the outcome. Here, in the free area, we can only give you general advice based upon the limited amoutn of facts you are able to provide. Therefore, you would be wise to get advice specific to the facts of your case, during a direct meeting with an attorney in your area. Many offer a free or low cost initial consulation. Take all the documents that you do have, and be available for follow-up questions.

Good luck

Read more
Answered on 7/12/11, 11:09 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Civil Rights Law questions and answers in Missouri