pumpkincat
Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? WV
Who is the legal owner of a house if everyone listed on the deed has been dead for a long period of time? The house is still deeded as being owned by two of the current residents' parents, who passed away in 1996 and 1999. As far as I can tell, there was never any probate done. The residents living there are not the only children of the deceased, so I don't know if they are the legal owners, or if it is automatically shared between all of the children (or if there are other relatives who would be considered heirs).
(And yes, there is a reason I am trying to find out: I have an issue with my neighbor blocking an easement that runs down the edge of both of our properties. I talked to a lawyer, and he advised sending a letter to the property owners about it. That's kind of difficult when the property owners are dead!)
Who is the legal owner of a house if everyone listed on the deed has been dead for a long period of time? The house is still deeded as being owned by two of the current residents' parents, who passed away in 1996 and 1999. As far as I can tell, there was never any probate done. The residents living there are not the only children of the deceased, so I don't know if they are the legal owners, or if it is automatically shared between all of the children (or if there are other relatives who would be considered heirs).
(And yes, there is a reason I am trying to find out: I have an issue with my neighbor blocking an easement that runs down the edge of both of our properties. I talked to a lawyer, and he advised sending a letter to the property owners about it. That's kind of difficult when the property owners are dead!)