ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
My mother passed away 8 years ago… I was told she left me nothing. Last month my step father contacted me saying he needed me to sign some some papers for him. When I asked what they were for he told me it was my mothers estate, but assured me it wasn’t worth anything. It seemed weird to me so I had his attorney send me the paperwork and discovered I had received her half of their property through intestacy. He’s telling me that he owes me nothing for my half, and that I owe him for half of his mortgage payments and taxes for the past EIGHT years. Even though I had NO idea I even owned half of the property. His attorney tells me it was not my step fathers responsibility to inform me of the inherited property, and I can sign the papers or they will file for him to be executor of it all.
ATTORNEY ANSWER BY MARGARET L. CROSS:
Who told you that you inherited nothing? Your step-father? Did he attempt to conceal your inheritance from you?
Joint owners of a property are jointly and severally liable for the debts on the property. They also have an equal right to use the property. Sure, he can attempt to collect half the money for the mortgage he paid. At the same time, you can force a sell of the property where he has been living or tell him you are moving in with him. You also have a right to be the executor and well as to object to his serving as one. I would suggest that you contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Legal Disclaimer: Please note that this answer does not constitute legal advice, and should not be relied on since each situation is fact specific, and it is impossible to evaluate a legal problem without a comprehensive consultation and review of all the facts and documents at issue. This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship. A lawyer experienced in the subject area and licensed to practice in the jurisdiction should be consulted for legal advice. Circular 230 Disclaimer: Any information in this answer may not be used to eliminate or reduce penalties by the IRS or any other governmental agency.
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