Cosigned a loan, it needs to go probate?

[Gwenwhyfair]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Georgia.


My mother deeded a property to me in 1999, base fee deed. She retained rights to use or sell the property.

Two years ago she opened a line of credit and used the property as collateral.

I cosigned the loan and signed a hypothecation agreement.

My mother passed away in March.

I went to the bank to obtain a payoff amount. The branch manager told me it (the debt I assume) must go through probate and he refused to give me even a payoff amount. I know, based on the last statement the balance of the loan is less then $600.00.

Could that be possible, that a loan I co-signed using property that own as collateral for such a small amount must go through probate?

Thank you in advance for your help and thoughts!

 

[anteater]

Have you gone above the branch manager's head?

 

[Gwenwhyfair]

Have you gone above the branch manager's head?

Not yet, I'm trying to determine if he in fact has a leg to stand on. I'd like to have some ammo before escalating if possible.

I have researched GA Probate site and other law sites, with no luck.

It seems too ridiculous to be true, especially for such a small balance!