Missouri Squatter and proud of it.

[janhoward777]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Missouri.
An aquaintance of mine gave me two lots on a lake. He said we would have to pay the back taxes. of three years. We did so. When we tried to get the lots signed over we ran into a problem. The lots were his wifes mom and dads. one was bought by her dad and then her mom bought the adjoining lot from the county for back taxes. Her father died, then she died. The lots never went through probate so i am told that in essence they belong to dead people. We have been paying the taxes to the county as the bill is sent to our house for the last five years. I too was told about squatters rights. The deceased children said they would sign what ever papers necessarry but if it did not go through probate then technically they don't even own them correct? I want to keep the lots and as far as i know I can continue to park my motorhome on there and use them as long as i continue to pay the taxes but i never recieved anything in writing from anybody. But at this point what difference does it make? So i guess what i am is a squatter who is paying the taxes. Now the question is can i claim this property legally since i have mowed the grass, and paid the taxes for the last five plus years? At any rate if i cannot get them legally i guess i will just have to be a squattere untill i get to old to enjoy them and then let them go back for taxes.What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

[Ohiogal]

You are talking about adverse possession. It will take a lot longer than just 5 years.

[JETX]

Originally Posted by janhoward777

The lots never went through probate so i am told that in essence they belong to dead people.

Not true. The lots are owned the decedents ESTATES.

We have been paying the taxes to the county as the bill is sent to our house for the last five years.

I am sure that the estates are very pleased you are paying 'their' taxes for them.

I too was told about squatters rights.

Wonderful.

The deceased children said they would sign what ever papers necessarry but if it did not go through probate then technically they don't even own them correct?

Correct. The 'beneficiaries' don't own the property's.

I want to keep the lots and as far as i know I can continue to park my motorhome on there and use them as long as i continue to pay the taxes

Or until one of the heirs wakes up and realizes the value of the property... and contacts a probate attorney.

but i never recieved anything in writing from anybody.

And you won't.

But at this point what difference does it make? So i guess what i am is a squatter who is paying the taxes. Now the question is can i claim this property legally since i have mowed the grass, and paid the taxes for the last five plus years?

Ahhhh, FINALLY... the bottom line.
Answer: NO. You have no legal claim to the property. Under Missouri laws, you have to do far more than just pay the taxes.... and for much longer than 5 years. You will also have to get a court to 'approve' your adverse possession claim.

I STRONGLY suggest you talk with a local attorney as to your plans.