New York, NY asked in Real Estate Law and International Law for New Jersey

Q: My obligations regarding a piece of property in Italy I inherited after my mother passed?

I have one third of a third of a property in Italy. No appraisal has been done. My aunt who has a third requests money for taxes and maintenance which equates to hundreds of dollars on my end. I asked to be bought out of my obligation or sell the property but no movement in either case. She has not been to the property in twelve years and the other third owner goes rarely. My two brothers own the other portion of our third and never go. Need insight on my legal obligation, I can't back out but I don't' want to continue to throw money at this property. If I stop paying do I lose my inherited portion, get sued to continue paying?

3 Lawyer Answers
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • International Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: As an owner, you have certain rights and responsibilities, including paying for taxes and maintenance. However, if you are interested in relinquishing your ownership or selling the property, the details of how this can be done are governed by Italian law. It's advisable to consult with an attorney who practices in Italy to explore your options, such as negotiating a buyout or initiating a sale.

If you stop paying, the consequences could vary; you may not automatically lose your ownership, but you could potentially face legal action from the other owners for your share of the expenses. An attorney can help you understand the risks and guide you toward the best course of action based on your circumstances and objectives.

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
Answered
  • Little Neck, NY
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: I'm sorry for the passing of your mother. You could repost under Probate and Estate Planning, as the matter involves an inheritance. There's no guarantee of a response on this forum, as this appears to be a complex matter that would probably require a consult. But attorneys in those categories are the ones with insight into wills, estates, etc. This could require a consult with attorneys who practice in Italy - attorneys in those categories should advise. Good luck

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
Answered
  • Little Neck, NY
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: Addendum - I noticed the mention of a sale - leave your original category (Real Estate) if you repost. Just add the other categories - don't replace the Real Estate category with them. Good luck

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