Rochester, NY asked in Estate Planning for New York

Q: If I have the deed to my grandmothers house in Puerto Rico is it mine?

I’m being told that my cousins have rights to this house. My mother was the youngest of seven children and has died but now I’m being told that the house has to be divided among my cousins.

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1 Lawyer Answer

A: What exactly do you mean by "I have the deed"? Is the deed in your name? Did a transfer deed into your name ever get recorded or even written? Merely having possession of the piece of paper (the deed) does not give you possession of the property, even if it was given to you with that intent. Real property transfers REQUIRE a written transfer to be effective. If none of that occurred, yes, you may have to share in the property.

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