Q: Claiming ownership of land after owners (uncle and mother) have passed away.
My uncle and mother shared ownership to a property, which the 3 of us lived in together. Sadly, they both passed away and I remained living on the land. However, they didn't get around to add my name on the deed/title. How would I be able to claim ownership to the property? I still live on the land and pay the taxes. Sadly, I've looked through our saved documents and didn't find the deed/title to the property. I'm just worried someone from my uncle's side of the family (possibly his oldest son) coming over to cause me problems trying to kick me off the land and claim it for themselves.. Thank You in advance.
A: If your uncle and your mother left you the land, you need to probate their wills to ensure that you have clean title to the land. If there is no will, or if their wills do not leave the land to you, you likely do not own the land alone. If your uncle and/or your mom have a surviving spouse or any other descendants (including your uncle's oldest son), you likely only own a fractional interest with the other heirs at law of your uncle and mom. You will have to enter into an agreement with them to acquire their interest in the land.
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