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?
2 Answers from Attorneys
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.
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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