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.

She has been paying the taxes onit for several years, but recently has gone in arears. She is afraid the county will take the land, but she cannot sell it due to the title issue.


Asked on 2/25/12, 7:13 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Arnold Nager Arnold H. Nager, Esquire

If she is the sole surviving heir of her father, the property is hers. If the will was never probated and was lost, then there is no will. You should retain an attorney. The attorney will order a title search and hopefully, the title company will be able to guarantee the title to you.

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Answered on 2/25/12, 7:31 pm


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