county taxes on inherited property

[bbowling]

What is the name of your state? Texas.

My stepfather died several years ago. He left most of his belongings to his daughter and girlfriend, with his daughter as the executor of the will. The will stated that everything else was to be split among all of his children (real and step). He owned some property in Burleson County that I assumed went to his daughter.

I recently got a letter from lawyers representing the county that back taxes are due on the property and they will file a lawsuit against me if the taxes are not paid. My half sister also got a similar letter. So I'm assuming that the property was meant to be split between all the children.

I haven't seen the property and am not even sure where it is. I doubt that I could get all of the original children to agree to pay the taxes or sell the property. I really don't have any interest in owning the propery. Do I have to accept the property if it was willed to me? How do I relinquish my rights to the property so that I don't get sued by the county?

Thanks for your help.
BB

[abezon]

If your name is not on the title, you don't have to pay the taxes. If your name is on the title, sell the property. You can force a sale even if the others don't want to sell.

You can talk to an estate lawyer about disclaiming the inheritance, but it may be too late to do that.

[bbowling]

Texas.

According to the online county tax office, the property is still in my deceased stepfather's name. My stepsister was executor of the will. I assumed the property went to her because a year after my stepfather died, she offered to give me the property if I would pay the lawyers for the probate fees (which I did not).

I never signed any papers, so I assume my name is not on any title.

So why is the county (actually lawyers for the ISD but they are also collecting for all entities which is the ISD and the county) sending the descendents (I assume all are getting the same letters) these letters threatening them with a lawsuit? Is this an intimidation effort by the county to try to get someone to pay for a piece of property that apparently has been abandoned? I don't want to pay a lawyer to defend myself from a lawsuit that may be frivolous. If I have to pay a lawyer to represent me on a lawsuit that has no merit, can I get the county to reimburse me for the lawyers fees? Would sending their lawyers a letter (possibly from another lawyer) stating that I know I'm not responsible for the taxes possibly deter them? If it's merely a "fishing expedition", I don't appreciate haveing to hire a lawyer to defend my name and credit.

Thanks again for any information.
Brenda

[abezon]

Write back & tell them that your name is not on the title to the property & you are not accepting any responsibility for the taxes on land you don't own. Direct the county to contact the executor of the estate regarding any taxes. Give them her contact information.

Then include a paragraph saying that if they file suit against you, you will move for Rule 11 sanctions for filing a frivilous lawsuit.