Stanton, KY asked in Real Estate Law and Estate Planning for Kentucky

Q: Who would own abandoned property (a church) if the owner organization isn't listed with the IRS or secretary or state?

There is a church near me that has been abandoned for a while, it is listed as owned by itself (XYZ church)... but the organization (the church) isn't listed as existing with the state's bsuiness office or with the IRS. Who would therefore own it? And how could it be acquired?

2 Lawyer Answers

A: You would need to get the property address and run the title. The deed will tell you who the true owner of the property is. Then you can proceed from there.

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Answered

A: Search the title first. If Trustees are involved, then you have to run down the remaining former Church Members. The Trustees will hold legal title for the benefit of the Congregation.

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