Louisiana
My mom and dad bought a house in Louisiana over 20 years ago. My dad was the primary and my mom is the co borrower. My dad passed away 5 years ago without a will and now my mom is trying to refinance the house but can't because he is still on title. The problem is....my dad has 2 children (grown now) from a previous marriage. Both of his kids are very bitter (didn't even show up to his funeral) and if they find out that they are possibly entitled to a portion of estate, they will jump all over it. My mom is 60 years old and has nothing but this house. If this goes to probate, what are the chances the two other children will find out about their entitlement to half the house? Are they even entitled? My mom doesn't have the money to pay them out for their portion and she has spent over 20 years paying for this home - how can it be that they are entitled to any of it?? Arrgghh....
She doesn't have money for an attorney but if I can find out what the process is for notifying any possible heirs, I may hire an attorney for her if you think it's worth it? Or should she just hang up the idea of refinancing?
Thanks so much.
Dana
My mom and dad bought a house in Louisiana over 20 years ago. My dad was the primary and my mom is the co borrower. My dad passed away 5 years ago without a will and now my mom is trying to refinance the house but can't because he is still on title. The problem is....my dad has 2 children (grown now) from a previous marriage. Both of his kids are very bitter (didn't even show up to his funeral) and if they find out that they are possibly entitled to a portion of estate, they will jump all over it. My mom is 60 years old and has nothing but this house. If this goes to probate, what are the chances the two other children will find out about their entitlement to half the house? Are they even entitled? My mom doesn't have the money to pay them out for their portion and she has spent over 20 years paying for this home - how can it be that they are entitled to any of it?? Arrgghh....
She doesn't have money for an attorney but if I can find out what the process is for notifying any possible heirs, I may hire an attorney for her if you think it's worth it? Or should she just hang up the idea of refinancing?
Thanks so much.
Dana