Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Pennsylvania
Unknown property sale
Is it Legal to sell a property that has been given to heirs if you are the legal appointee without first asking/informing the other owners of the land?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Unknown property sale
The personal representative of an Estate [appointed by the Register of Wills] has duties to the creditors of the deceased, to the taxing authorities and to the heirs. The right to sell land that is owned by or with others depends on the type of ownership.
If the deceased had a Will, that controls what happens to the estate, after all obligations have been paid. If there was no Will, there is state law that dictates how the Estate is to be disposed of.
The personal representative as well as the buyer of such property are at risk, if the Estate has not been properly administered.
The personal representative should have the advice and guidance of an estates lawyer to avoid any wrongdoing and personal liability.