Brandon, MS asked in Family Law and Probate for Alabama

Q: My father passed 10 years ago do I have ownership in his house?

My father passed 10 years ago. He was married at the time. I was recently contacted by my stepmom asking me to sign some papers on dads house. I just wanted to know if this means I have owner ship in the house. I thought because they were married then everything would go to her. There was not a Will and the house was just in my dads name. There is a total of 6 kids (4 are adopted). Just really wanting to see where I stand in this matter. My stepmother did not give anything of my dads to me or my brother and any of my dads grandkids. She did take care of the 4 that are adopted but nothing to his blood family. I have been told that his assets should of came to me and my brother, just never pushed it. Any help would be gratefully appreciated. Thank you

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1 Lawyer Answer
Anthony M. Avery
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Answered
  • Probate Lawyer
  • Knoxville, TN

A: Hire an attorney to examine the Deed. Both MS and AL attorneys should be able to discern the apparent owner without a title search (assuming they are competent). You are probably an Heir At Law, and thus a Tenant In Common with the other Heirs. Do not sign anything unless you are paid sufficiently to convey your Title interest. If problems arise, consider hiring an AL attorney to file for a Partition Sale.

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