Q: I've been paying taxes on 20 acers of land in Byesville OH for 16 years, their are two other siblings on the deed
they do not contribute to the taxes, I'm the only one paying. is there a law in OH that I can take over the property if I've been paying for all these years. I heard that each one of us can sell 1/3 on the land is that correct?
A: You each own a 1/3 interest. The county does not care who pays the taxes, as long as they get paid. You don't get it all the acreage, just because you paid the taxes and they didn't. If the acreage is ever sold, all 3 of you must agree to it and sign the deed. At that time, you can tell them you want to be repaid for their share of the taxes or you won't agree to sell. If they refuse to pay, then you can hold up the sale until they agree to pay it. Or you can file a partition action in court asking the court to order the acreage to be sold, and have the sale proceeds divided in thirds, but then you can ask the court that you be repaid out of their share of the proceeds for all the taxes you paid. Use the Find a Lawyer tab to retain a local real estate attorney to represent you.
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