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Alabama Real Estate Law Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Social Security and Real Estate Law for Alabama on
Q: I have questions regarding liens on a property owned by someone who is on SSDI, and future property transfer to family

My mother and father are both disabled. They own their home and land. There are two liens on their property. Can they still transfer ownership of the property to me? (I am also disabled) Will the liens apply to me in anyway? Will I have to pay them? Could I lose the property? It is my current... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 14, 2023

The transfer of the property to you may trigger the liens if they are attached to the property itself. Whether you would be personally responsible for the liens would depend on various factors, including the nature of the liens and state laws. Consult with an attorney experienced in real estate and... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Real Estate Law for Alabama on
Q: If you inherit land that is currently on a farm lease(when parent was alive) is said lease valid when deed is in kids na
William Vann Burkett
William Vann Burkett
answered on Aug 15, 2023

Typically when land is transferred the new owner will take the land subject to the terms of an active lease. This is dependent upon the actual terms of the lease as there may be contingencies for the farming tenant. You should contact a local attorney to review the relevant documents, advise you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Land Use & Zoning and Probate for Alabama on
Q: Guardian and conservatee issues

Alright have a question. My dad passed away sadly in 2012 mind you I was a minor at the time I was left money as a child and my mother asked my lawyer if she could get us a house with it & so she did. She was my guardian I was the conservatee on the deed. I am now 23 years old, she has not... View More

William Vann Burkett
William Vann Burkett
answered on Aug 15, 2023

You likely need to contact a lawyer who can file a lawsuit to enforce the terms of the conservatorship or guardianship. A probate lawyer or general civil litigation attorney may be able to help you. While it is difficult to make a determination without a full review of all facts and circumstances... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning, Real Estate Law and Municipal Law for Alabama on
Q: In Alabama is it illegal for someone to throw their trash into their neighbors bin and keep their bin on neighbors yard?

Neighbor throws their trash in my bin & keeps their bin next to mine on my yard on trash days.

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 8, 2023

In Alabama, laws regarding trash disposal and property boundaries can vary depending on local ordinances and regulations. Generally, it's considered respectful to dispose of your own trash in your own bin and to keep your bins on your own property. If someone is consistently using your bin for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Alabama on
Q: My sewage is running into the basement does the rental company have to put me in a hotel until it is resolved?
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answered on Aug 7, 2023

In most jurisdictions, if your rental property becomes uninhabitable due to issues like sewage backups, the landlord or rental company may be required to provide temporary housing, such as a hotel, until the issue is resolved and the property is habitable again. This is typically based on local... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and International Law for Alabama on
Q: Can a management company run the HOA meeting in AL
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 6, 2023

In general, the ability of a management company to run a Homeowners Association (HOA) meeting may depend on the provisions in the HOA's governing documents and applicable state law in Alabama. It is advisable to consult with an attorney familiar with Alabama HOA laws to determine the rights... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Alabama on
Q: My Mom just passed away. She had no will and no one else on her mortgage. What happens to her mortgage?

The mortgage company is saying they can make me a successor of interest (her daughter). What is that and can I sell her house in the future? She had no debt except the mortgage and some back income tax. I have tried to get information from the IRS about her tax bill, but no one will help me. I am... View More

James Blount Griffin
James Blount Griffin
answered on Jul 27, 2023

The mortgage company would like you to assume, in writing, the liabilities of the mortgage. Don't do so unless you think it through carefully. Her estate could be squeezed by the IRS or the mortgage company, and there does not seem to be much cash.

When your mother died, all property...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Probate for Alabama on
Q: My Mom just passed away. She had no will and no one else on her mortgage. What happens to her mortgage?

The mortgage company is saying they can make me a successor of interest (her daughter). What is that and can I sell her house in the future? She had no debt except the mortgage and some back income tax. I have tried to get information from the IRS about her tax bill, but no one will help me. I am... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jul 27, 2023

If the mortgage is not paid, the mortgage company will simply foreclose on the property, sell it, and apply the proceeds to the unpaid mortgage amount. If there is a deficiency, it will submit a claim to the personal representative of your mother's estate when it is probated. If there is a... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Land Use & Zoning for Alabama on
Q: I am a Forester and have been asked to appraise unauthorized timber removal from a 13.24 acre stand of timber

The timber trespass is approximately 20,221 ft sq. What timber trespass laws does The State of Alabama have?

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jul 17, 2023

In the state of Alabama, there are laws that address timber trespass and unauthorized timber removal. One such law is the Alabama Timber Trespass Law, which allows landowners to seek compensation for damages resulting from unauthorized timber cutting on their property.

Under this law, if...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Alabama on
Q: Can I buy, with cash, a vacant lot in Alabama without my spouse? Or could my LLC purchase it?

I want to buy some vacant land for myself to retire on in South Alabama. My husband wants to stay in Central Alabama.

James Blount Griffin
James Blount Griffin
answered on Jul 6, 2023

No law prevents a spouse from acquiring or selling land without the spouse. Alabama law does protect spouses through probate and family from being left broke by a spouse who liquidates property. Ala. Code Section 35-4-73 (a) says:

"No deed, contract, or other conveyance of land or...
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1 Answer | Asked in Estate Planning and Real Estate Law for Alabama on
Q: Hello My mother-in-law wanted her son to have her home. She passed away and the house is in my husband's name at the

Tuscaloosa Court House but she did not redeed it to him. There is only one sibling left and now she wants to sell the house, what can I do as the widow of the son. Does the house belong to me?

James Blount Griffin
James Blount Griffin
answered on Jul 4, 2023

This is a complex question. A stated intent is not enforceable. In probate and real estate law, written and notarized documents, i.e., deeds and wills, rule.

If the person whose name is on the deed as owner of the property died without a will, then the property is ruled by the laws of...
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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Alabama on
Q: What tax/fees/costs are associated with inheriting a piece of property? It's less than 10 million and in AL.

My mom thinks that she has to do some weird legal workaround so that when we inherit her property we won't have to lose a ton of money on inheritance. I've researched as much as I can but she's not convinced. I've looked at AL and federal tax laws and can't find anything... View More

James Blount Griffin
James Blount Griffin
answered on Jul 4, 2023

I will complete my answer by saying the costs and fees of inheriting property would include a good accountant, because substantial or complex property requires excellent accounting. In most cases, there would be no substantial transfer tax on inherited real estate when you record a deed in the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Estate Planning, Real Estate Law and Tax Law for Alabama on
Q: What tax/fees/costs are associated with inheriting a piece of property? It's less than 10 million and in AL.

My mom thinks that she has to do some weird legal workaround so that when we inherit her property we won't have to lose a ton of money on inheritance. I've researched as much as I can but she's not convinced. I've looked at AL and federal tax laws and can't find anything... View More

James Blount Griffin
James Blount Griffin
answered on Jul 4, 2023

Your mother may be worried about inheritance taxes, which are taxes on what you inherit. Fortunately, there are no federal inheritance taxes, and, just as well, there are no Alabama inheritance taxes. She will not pay taxes on what she inherits (unless, perhaps, she moves quickly to New Jersey,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Divorce and Family Law for Alabama on
Q: My husband and I are getting divorced.Own home with renters who have lease.Does lease stand before we have to sell?

Lease is until 3/2025. I don’t want to evict them due to divorce and having to split assets.

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answered on Jun 30, 2023

The contractual right to receive rents will be marital property, which must be addressed specifically in the Divorce. Dealing with tenants, evictions, maintenance, and any other rental duty, must be expressed in clear terms as to who has authority and the duty. Also a potential term should be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Alabama on
Q: I have a contract for deed for house in State of Alabama. The deed holder wants to convert to a vendors lien.

I am not sure if they can do this or if it would be good for me to sign for the conversion. Thanks.

Anthony M. Avery
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answered on Jun 8, 2023

That means you have a Lease With Option To Purchase, and own nothing. A Deed to you with a Vendor's Lien on it means you own it subject to a Lien, which needs to be complied with and released of record upon satisfaction. If you do not pay, Lienor can execute on property. You might want a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Alabama on
Q: Why do they want to change my Contract for deed to Vendor's lien deed?

I am purchasing my home with a Contract for deed for the last 4 years. Received an email today from seller wanting to change my Contract for deed to a Vendor's lien deed. What does this mean for me?

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 7, 2023

Without being able to read minds, my best guess is property taxes. With a contract for deed, you don't own the property and therefore are not responsible to pay the property taxes. Of course, you are running a huge risk that the owner ultimately won't transfer title, or that the owner... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Alabama on
Q: Who is right, legally, Bob or Betty (unmarried roommates) regarding sharing proceeds from Alabama property sale?

Bob owns a 7 acre parcel. Bob and Betty jointly own an adjacent 14 acre parcel. Bob and Betty bought a mobile home and placed it on the parcel Bob owns. They jointly signed a mortgage for $70,000, pledging the two parcels as security. The mobile home became a part of the 7 acre property as an... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 16, 2023

There is no right or wrong answer. It depends on what the parties agree to.

But, if they sell the 7 acre parcel with the mobile home, the presumably will get more because of the value the mobile home adds. Unless they’ve not kept the mobile home in good repair, one would assume the...
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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Agricultural Law, Estate Planning and Probate for Alabama on
Q: Land given to me but not left in a will was sold off. Do I have rights to it since I've kept it up as mine since 2009?

Land has been in my family since the 60's, my grandmother was killed in 2019 and had given me a small section of land adjoining mine back in 2009, but she never updated her will to include it as said. Her house and property was sold off in 2021. Now my yard with my kids playset, etc which... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 2, 2023

If your grandmother gave you a piece of land, even if it was not included in her will, then legally you would have a claim to that land. However, if the property was sold without your knowledge or consent, you may need to take legal action to assert your rights to the property.

You may want...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law for Alabama on
Q: My grandfather left will for kids and grandkids. I am a grandchild but the way the will was written land has to be sold

to get our part. The house and 5 acres is what is left. I took care of my mother and moved in with her until her passing. I have lived there and my brother has trailer on the 5 acres along with his son who bought out another grandchild part. So I still have my part but am being told that my brother... View More

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answered on Apr 10, 2023

If you are a tenant in common, then you own an undivided interest. And any possessory/ejectment proceedings will be dismissed. But it sounds like you should hire an AL attorney to search the Title and determine exact ownership now, prior to any suit against you. A Partition Action might be in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Real Estate Law and Probate for Alabama on
Q: Can a property and home be sold if the deed is in someone else's name?

people whose names on the deed are both deceased. There was no will reading, no one truly knew who it went to. It was sold recently by a family member without telling others, and then resold two weeks later to someone else.

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answered on Feb 13, 2023

The actual Heirs need an AL attorney now to file suit for Ejectment. It will be difficult and expensive but the alternative is losing the property forever very quickly. A Title Search should be performed first so that all interested parties are sued.

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