Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania

Taxes on property

My husband was evicted for abuse 22 years ago. He went to live at our other property. He brought an alcoholic in to sleep in our bed and wear my clothes. He defrauded me out of over one million dollars in net assets. I was left with nothing except nine children and had to get a minimum wage job to feed and clothe them. I since bought the house and worked 3 to 4 jobs a week to acumulate equity. I have been scrimping all these years and wanted to take out a home equity loan to do many repairs the home needs. I found out yesterday that I have a lein against me for the taxes he never paid all those years. I am in PA and I would like to turn the property over to the municipality. They want over 50,000 dollars and the property isn't worth a fraction of that. The building burnt down and he also dropped the insurance I carried on it. I have lost all I worked fore all my life then I worked again to accumulate something and now I'm broke again. He died a year ago. I bet he is still laughing in his grave. If the Township doesn't get the amount of taxes when they sell it, do I have to pay the amount they want. The property is in both names.


Asked on 6/26/09, 1:51 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

Re: Taxes on property

If you bought a house on your own, it should have been titled in your name only, and therefore should not have been subject to liens against your husband. Also, maintaining property insurance on your house was your responsibility. A real estate lawyer should be able to evaluate your interest in the house and whether the liens against your husband are validly placed on your home.

You may also want to consult an estates lawyer to help you determine if you have rights in his estate, and how you may claim them.

This response is not legal advice, since I do not have all of the information that would be required, and I do not have a representation agreement with you.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.

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Answered on 6/26/09, 3:10 pm


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