Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Ohio

I had to appear in city court in front of a magistrate for things that need to be done on my fathers property. The problem is that this house is in my fathers name..has a reversed mortgage on it and is in the beginning stages of foreclosure. My Father died over a year ago and he had no will and was penniless when he passed away. My name is not associated with this house in any form. But I was living here up to a week ago so that is why the local court is trying to hold me responsible and have told me that I could do jail time for this. I am supposed to show up for court again on Sept. 18. What should I do about this matter? I took legal papers to court with me showing the house has a reversed mortgage and the legal papers showing it is in foreclosure..but the magistrate would not look at them. They just wanted me to plea guilty and fix up the property..I am unemployed and could never afford this..but the house is not mine either. Could you please give me your advice on what is the best way for me to handle this? And can they legally hold me responsible when the bank owns this house not me?

Thank you in advance for your advice.


Asked on 9/04/09, 5:49 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
J. Norman Stark J. Norman Stark , Attorney, Architect

Dear Troubled: Retain counsel ASAP or, if you cannot afford counsel, contact the nearest Legal Aid office for representation. Do not plead guilty, do not appear without counsel. Good luck. Sincerely, J. Norman Stark

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Answered on 9/06/09, 4:47 pm


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