Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New York

I am attempting to purchase a small parcel of land on Long Island, NY. The original deal fell through because the deed could not be located. The current owner is 86 and is the last surviving child of the original owner. The lawyer for the father, and her lawyer that handled the deed when it transferred have all since passed. How can I help her to prove she owns the land so that I can buy it? Aren't there supposed to be copies of wills kept other than at the attorney's office? One person she spoke with suggested putting and advertisement in the paper about other claims to the land. Surely there should be a way for an attorney to trace the deed? Please help.


Asked on 2/25/12, 6:50 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Arnold Nager Arnold H. Nager, Esquire

Deeds vare recorded in the County Clerk's office where the property is located. The records can be searched. If the present owner is an heir of the previously deceased owner of the property and no probate of the will occurred, it is possible that the property can be transferred. Who has been paying the taxes?

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Answered on 2/25/12, 7:03 pm
Arnold Nager Arnold H. Nager, Esquire

I can be reached at 914-478-2981 iof you need legal services

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Answered on 2/25/12, 7:32 pm


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