Steuben, ME asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Maine

Q: finding a deed when it is not at the registry of deeds because it was unorganized territory we have a will giving it to

husband and brother were given land over 40 years ago. it is in unorganized territory which subsequently became indep. there is not a place in centerville to obtain land records any more. we have been to the court house and there is no record of the deed. all parties that were grantors are deceased. we have the will giving it to us. we have paid taxes on it for more than 40 years. we would like to know the steps to actually having a deed in our possession.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Anthony M. Avery
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Answered
  • Probate Lawyer
  • Knoxville, TN

A: I have no idea what County you are referring to. But if no recorded Deed is in in existence, then the heirs might make claim (possibly arguing by adverse possession) and file a Quiet Title suit with publication notice. If the Will was Probated, then the Probate Court is your source of title and an heirship determination must be made to find the current owners as tenants in common. If Will not Probated, it has no effect. You will absolutely need a competent ME attorney.

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