Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New Jersey

real estate ownership

i have two lots on one property in a shore resort. front lot is 100% owned by me and can be built upon. the back lot is 80% owned by myself and cannot be built upon do to the size and property line restrictions. it is a family property since 1949. i took over the ownership in 1999.

the 20% of the back lot not owned by me has never had taxes paid by that owner. the original ownere has passed away and i am now dealing with surviving children. i am now trying to clear the property to get full ownership. if the owner will not accept my offer, legally do i have a right to charge back taxes and property upkeep back to 1949 or just to 1999 since i legally obtained the property my parents paid the taxes previous to 1999. can i force them to accept my offer which is 20% of the apprised value?


Asked on 4/29/03, 8:57 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

Re: real estate ownership

From your question, it is not clear whether the "family" that owned the 20% of the back lot is your family, or another family. In either case, if the original owners are deceased, there should have been an estate administration to transfer title to the current owners. Without estate administration, no one has legal authority to make that transfer.

You should consult a real estate attorney, or if it involves your family, an estate/probate attorney to help you sort through the issues and determine what your next steps should be.

I am available by appointment in my Philadelphia office or my Collingswood office (900 Haddon Avenue, Suite 412, tel. 856-858- 7775). I do not charge for a 30 minute initial consultation to find out if I can assist people.

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Answered on 4/29/03, 12:05 pm


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