Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New Jersey

My mother owns two adjoining lots (real property) in Virginia. She has owned these lots for over ten years. Has the properties merged under the Doctrine of Merger since the lots are both in the same ownership for over ten years?


Asked on 6/23/11, 9:00 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

You need to pose this question to a Virginia lawyer. Real property is governed by the state where it is located.

This response is not legal advice, since I do not have all of the information that would be required, and I do not have a representation agreement with you.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.

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Answered on 6/23/11, 11:06 am
John Corbett Corbett Law Firm LLC

The Doctrine of Merger does not relate to title of adjacent parcels. It has to do with the legal principle that the contract for purchase of real property merges into the deed at the time of transfer of title. Thereafter, a suit cannot be brought on the contract. There are exceptions such as for fraud or terms that are specifically said to survive the giving of the deed (as is common in environmental guarantees).

See also: http://info.corbettlaw.net/lawguru.htm

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Answered on 6/23/11, 7:07 pm


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