Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Texas
Transfer of a title after death of a parent
My father died without a will. My half sister and I are his legal heirs. The house has no mortgage because it was purchased with cash. My grandfather lived with my Dad, and occupies the house now. He will not allow us any information related to my father's affairs, but has offered us 1/3 of the value of the house. How do we (1) find out whose name is on the title of the house? (2) Discover whether taxes are due? (3) Keep the house from being taken over by my grandfather? We love Grandpa but he is no longer talking to us.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Transfer of a title after death of a parent
I'm sorry to hear about your father's death. As for your questions:
1. You can look up the title to the house by either checking with a local title company (for a fee) or by checking with the real property records in the appropriate county.
2. You can call the central appraisal district located in the county where the real property is. Inform them of the death of your father. They should be able to tell you right off the bat how much tax is owed.
3. You will need to file some sort of probate paperwork. The type of paperwork depends on whether there are other estate assets (such as bank accounts) and estate liabilities (such as medical, funeral or other bills.)
It would be easy if you can work something out with the grandfather, such as getting him a life estate in the house, in exchange for some cash. This would put him at ease, while clearing title to the house, and securing your interest.
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
