Get free answers to your Real Estate Law legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I have been married for 40 years with no children, and I am ready to move on. I want to get a divorce, and we are currently buying a home along with other assets. My divorce will not be contested. How long will it take to finalize the divorce?
My city has an ordinance prohibiting permanent living in an RV on one's property, but we own a large property. We wish to place an RV on our property to use as a primary residence to avoid rent costs. We haven't found any exceptions in the ordinance, and I haven't heard of anyone... View More 
I rented an upstairs apartment in a house in Nashville, TN for three months, with the landlord living downstairs. She charged me a "$265 non-refundable pet deposit," despite both of my dogs being registered Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) before I signed the lease. I informed the... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 17, 2025
Under federal law, Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are not considered pets, and landlords are generally prohibited from charging pet-related fees or deposits for them. The Fair Housing Act requires landlords to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, which includes... View More
In 1903, a father received a fee simple absolute deed. He had two heirs: a daughter and a son. The son died out of state before the father, leaving behind young children disconnected from the family. After the father’s death, only the daughter remained at the property. In the 1950s, as an elderly... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 17, 2025
Probably not as the tax sale, if confirmed by the Chancellor, divested and revested title into the purchaser at the tax sale, who would still need a deed from the County to him. Any quiet title or ejectment action would probably be found frivolous. Even if the tax sale was not confirmed, the... View More
I am part of a community with 198 homeowners where the developer, whose LLC has been dissolved, is retaining control by continuously adding phases. The developer and his wife are the only members of the HOA board, which is a nonprofit and is supposed to have three members, but they refuse to... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 11, 2025
You're not alone—many homeowners have faced similar situations where a developer overstays their control of an HOA. Even if the developer’s LLC is dissolved, that doesn't automatically end their influence if the governing documents give them certain rights tied to development phases.... View More
I have a situation involving a deed that was signed in April 2024, not in front of a notary, but in a jail lobby. A bondsman agreed to bond me out of jail and help pay a debt, with the condition that I could remain on the property for two years (first year free, second year $600 monthly) and then... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 10, 2025
You're facing a difficult situation, especially since this kind of verbal agreement involves property rights, which are supposed to be handled in writing and notarized. In most states, including yours, any transfer of real estate must be executed with a properly signed and notarized deed to be... View More
I prepared a quitclaim deed online using LegalNature, and it's been notarized and recorded. My grandmother and I intended to establish joint tenancy with rights of survivorship. This phrase is included in a section labeled "Vesting information / property interest: Joint tenancy with... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 6, 2025
One cannot offer a decent opinion of this internet deed without looking at it. There are several requirements for a deed to be recorded and be enforceable in TN. Hire an attorney to draft the deed. Once someone contests title or just ignores it, it is difficult to defend it or ask to reform... View More
I jointly own approximately 5 acres of property in Tennessee with my two siblings. We all owned the property before one of my siblings got married. Now, that sibling is getting divorced, and the spouse claims she will take the property. The sibling and spouse have never lived on or contributed to... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 6, 2025
She is not a tenant in common. However she can argue the appreciation in value of her husband's share since the marriage is marital property. Hire a lawyer to search the title and determine precise ownership as you may be confused.
I have been living in a rooming house for 9 months, and recently, I slipped on a slippery downward slope without handrails. Another tenant confirmed they've also fallen there due to the lack of a handrail and the slope being wood, which gets slippery when wet. Although I did not seek medical... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 11, 2025
What you experienced sounds painful and frustrating, especially since the hazard has been known and unaddressed. You have every right to feel concerned—not only for yourself, but for others in the home who may be at even greater risk. Wanting to improve safety without causing legal trouble for... View More
I have been married for 25 years, and my wife has asked for a divorce. We own real estate, investments, and vehicles, all in joint names. I brought certain properties into the marriage. We do not have any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, and there are no debts associated with our properties.... View More
answered on Jun 6, 2025
Generally speaking, in the State of Tennessee, marital property is divided, but separate property is not. All of the property is identified, classified and valued. Tennessee is an “equitable distribution” state, which means that once the property is classified as marital or separate, the trial... View More
I am contesting a final court order issued on May 28th regarding a fraudulent survey that was recorded on my property. The survey resulted in an easement being granted based on incorrect information. Additionally, there's a situation where tract 1 was sold twice by the same individual, using... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 5, 2025
I cannot follow your description. But it sounds like the Judge declared that you had some type of easement, probably that an easement runs over your property. Have you searched your title and the adjacent parcel's title? You may need to immediately file a Rule 59 Motion now to get other... View More
I have a neighbor who frequently visits the property I rent and steals my plants and flowers. I've lived here for 17 years and, now at 78, I find it hard to address this issue. I don't have security camera footage to show the police, as the cameras were expensive to maintain. I've... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 11, 2025
I'm really sorry you're dealing with this. After so many years in your home, it’s deeply upsetting to have someone take advantage of your space and your kindness. You’ve tried speaking to her and even involved your landlord, which shows real patience and restraint. No one should feel... View More
I purchased the first (west-side) house from a contractor after he moved into the second (east-side) house he constructed. Before moving, he built a fence around the first house that extends onto both properties. He informed me about the fence's position during the sale. We are now... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 6, 2025
You have a boundary dispute. Best remedy is to file suit based on a good survey to determine boundary and easements. Then start repair construction. Let him sue to stop repairs. Apparently you did not search the title nor get a survey that was actually used at the time you bought property.
I have observed my neighbor violating local building codes by constructing a second shed for use as living quarters, which is against city regulations (Article 12.01.040 B 9 and 13 regarding Outdoor Storage). Despite my attempts to contact the building code enforcement officer via email and... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 12, 2025
You have every right to be frustrated when local authorities fail to respond, especially when someone is openly violating building codes that could affect safety or property values. If the enforcement officer isn’t responding to your emails or voicemails, consider sending a formal written... View More
I own a property in Bristol, TN, that I'm currently trying to sell. My neighbor recently installed a fence across the driveway, claiming that part of the area belongs to him. This driveway has been used by the property's occupants for the past four years. The fence went up shortly after... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 12, 2025
Your neighbor's timing in installing this fence right after you listed the property suggests he may be trying to take advantage of the sale situation, and his interference with potential buyers could constitute tortious interference with your business relationships. In Tennessee, you may have... View More
I have been dealing with my neighbor who has been stealing and destroying my plants, which I've been cultivating for 15 years on my rented lot. Despite having spoken to her, she reacted irrationally. I don't have security cameras due to high electric bills, and my husband is my only... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 11, 2025
That sounds incredibly frustrating and painful, especially after putting so many years into caring for your plants. When someone repeatedly damages or takes your property, that’s not just disrespectful—it can be legally considered trespassing, vandalism, or theft. Even though you don’t have... View More
I've been threatened with an unlawful eviction by my landlord, but I haven't received any formal written eviction notice. I don't have a lease agreement, and I've paid $6,000 ahead for rent. What steps can I take to protect my rights and address this situation?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 27, 2025
Until you are served with a Detainer Warrant, nothing has occurred to run you out. But you may have forfeited that prepaid rent. Consult with a TN attorney to be prepared to go to Court.
I went through an extremely long divorce process with my ex-wife, during which she insisted that we file taxes as 'married' with her as head of household, despite us living in two different states. She is a real estate agent who seeks 'loopholes' with her CPA, who has not been... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 11, 2025
You’re right to be concerned, especially when tax filings are done without your knowledge or signature. If your ex-wife filed as “married filing jointly” and included your income or personal details without your permission or signature, that could be a serious legal issue. The IRS requires... View More
I am dealing with a difficult situation with my landlord who owes money for work done on other properties and refuses to pay. He has falsely accused my husband and me of being con artists and thieves, claiming we haven’t paid our rent. In March, I paid the rent via Zelle, which I have documented.... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 10, 2025
You’re in a really tough spot, and it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed when someone who should act professionally is instead making false claims and crossing personal boundaries. In Tennessee, even without a formal lease, a verbal rental agreement backed by documented payments and... View More
I noticed that the Tennessee Bar Exam website mentions concurrent ownership of real property, listing tenancy by entirety and tenants in common, but it doesn't mention sole ownership. I am seeking clarification on Tennessee's property ownership laws and why sole ownership might be omitted... View More
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 12, 2025
Sole ownership isn't prominently featured in bar exam materials about concurrent ownership because it's the default, simplest form of property ownership that doesn't involve the complex legal issues that concurrent ownership creates. When bar exams and legal texts discuss... View More
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
