Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania
Grandma forcing me to sign over property.
My grandmother sold my mother one of her houses in jan. 04. my mother became terminally ill in july 04 and died in dec 04. I became my mother's POA in Aug o4, but unbekwonest to me, my 92 year old grandma had papers drawn up after i became POA and had the deed to my mom's house changed from my mom's name to hers and my name. Now, I found this out and let it slide, because I figured we sell the house because it's in bad condition. Well, we haven't and she pays the taxes on the house and refuses to sell it until now. Now she says she has a lawyer and wants to sell the house, but wants me to sign my name over so she is sole owner because she pays the taxes and believes I don't own the house. I told her that despite her paying the taxes, she just can't sell it and I am not going to sign my name over. So my question is, what am i entitled to? I told her that if we sell it, I will give her back all the back tax money and utility money she paid. Can I have it stipulated in the sale that I will do that, just so she will be reimbursed. What are my rights in this situation? Can she force me to sign over because I haven't given her money for the taxes? Can I counter sue her for illegally changing my mother's deed since I am her sole heir ?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Grandma forcing me to sign over property.
Unless you are a minor and cannot own property in your own name yet, your grandmother illegally changed the title to the home.
After your mother's death, and assuming that you are not a minor, you should have administered her estate in the Register of Wills office in the County where she resided when she died.
If your mother gave you her Power of Attorney prior to her death, it had no effect after her death, so you could not do anything with that Power of Attorney.
You are not required to sign a deed to anyone. If your name is on the deed with your grandmother, you cannot be forced to give up your interest, even if she had paid the taxes and utility charges.
You should consult a local real estate and estates lawyer to look over whatever documents you have about your mother's death and the deed transfers, and to advise you about your options.
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