Q: My mother passed away 1992 and owned a house(PA) I did not know about until this year. What can I do?
My cousins have been living in the house since my mothers' sudden death. She left no will.... I have looked up the property and she is shown as sole owner. I am the only child.
A: You should probably first verify if all the real estate taxes are current and if there is a mortgage against the property. If you decide that you want the house, you will need to engage a lawyer and open an estate. You, as Administrator, would execute a deed to you, individually, so that you will then own the house. You will have to pay inheritance tax and, in all likelihood, substantial penalties for late filing. All of this will be an expensive proposition for you, so you need to get legal help to determine if it is financially worth your while.
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