Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Nevada
Recinding a designated title holder on real estate property
After 2 yrs of caring for my senior neighbor, he suggested on 2 occasions, that he put my name on title, with his (JTWROS), on his house. I agreed and paid the transfer tax. Now, his sister's family has hired a lawyer & accuses me of elder abuse. He won't face me personally, told the lawyer he was confused. I know he understood because we discussed it at length, he was grateful for all I did for him, we went together to the bank to have the papers notarized. He provided the death certificate of his wife to me. She had been on title with him. I never would have spent the money if I felt his offer was not genuine. I think his family thinks I'm going to sign a Quit Claim without getting my transfer tax back. I don't want the house if he doesn't want me to have it. I've already told his lawyer this. I'm thinking that if I explain all of the services that I provided to him, it will make him look incapable. This is not the case. He lives alone, bathes, cooks, reads the paper...I only ''backed him up'' with Life Line, Meals on Wheels, Sr. Dimentions...even hired my landscaping man for him. Is this a small claims matter (tax was $1,000) or will I need a lawyer if they won't reimburse me? In that case, the house is worth $200,000.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Recinding a designated title holder on real estate property
First, note that elder abuse is a crime. If you're concerned that such charges may be pursued, you should speak with a criminal attorney immediately.
As to your real property inquiry, your proposal seems to be more than reasonable (assuming you are providing the whole story here). You might want to consider preparing a quitclaim deed and giving it to the lawyer in trust, on the condition that he not record it or otherwise release it until such time as his client pays you for your transfer tax liability. This offer would be hard to refuse, and it shows that you are sincere.