What to do???

What is the name of your state?California
My mother sold a peice of property many years ago When she did this she gave the man a second mortgage for $5000 with 12% interest. The man paid of the first morgage but never paid off the second & has niver put it in his name. So now we have found out he is at least 2 years behind in taxes witch the county still has in in my mothers name. Does she have any rights to the property? Also should we pay the back taxes that are owed???

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

Originally posted by Threerivers
What is the name of your state?California
My mother sold a peice of property many years ago When she did this she gave the man a second mortgage for $5000 with 12% interest. The man paid of the first morgage but never paid off the second & has niver put it in his name. So now we have found out he is at least 2 years behind in taxes witch the county still has in in my mothers name. Does she have any rights to the property? Also should we pay the back taxes that are owed???

My response:

First, let's discuss the loans - -

How many years ago did this take place, and when was the man's last payment on the second mortgage?

Was the second mortgage in writing?

IAAL

The property was sold 21 years ago As far as Im aware he never made any of the payments. Yes it is in writing & we have copies of it. My mom was going to just let it go untill she found out it was still in her name & now the taxes are default!

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

Originally posted by Threerivers
The property was sold 21 years ago As far as Im aware he never made any of the payments. Yes it is in writing & we have copies of it. My mom was going to just let it go untill she found out it was still in her name & now the taxes are default!

My response:

Okay, there's nothing she can do about the second mortgage. She's way, way, way, past the Statute of Limitations. So, that's a dead issue.

Insofar as the taxes are concerned, and despite the fact that the land is still in her name, your Mom doesn't have to pay the taxes. The land will be sold at a tax sale.

Your Mom can repurchase the land for the amount of taxes due, at the land sale!

IAAL