Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania

Re: home abandonment

It would be a far better solution to have him sign a deed to his share over to you before he left. I could get a form of quitclaim deed to you by e mail in a day. Otherwise, if he leaves as promised, you will likely have to file a lawsuit called a quiet title action, and claim and prove that he intended to abandon the property (so if you can, get him to say that in writing or in front of witnesses so that when you go to prove your case you have more than just your word). Is he does disappear into thin air, then you also would have problems serving him with notice of the lawsuit - and so might have to do so by advertising. It is not an insurmountable problem - but it can be a long and drawn out affair; and of course it can go quicker if you get a good judge who understands the issue. Still, much better to get something done before he goes if this is at all possible. Can't you offer to pay him for his share in return for a deed? Wherever he is going, he will need money.