A real estate lawyer can create a sale of the property from her to you leaving in her the right to remain in the property for the rest of her life, assuming that’s what she wants. There are many ways to do this from irrevocable trusts to wills, depending on the objectives and the loan, and other... View More

Under Justin’s terms of service as well as the ethical rules of our profession, this site isn’t a “hiring hall” as in the union trades. We aren’t permitted to respond to calls for employment. Here are some ideas for finding a lawyer:

I’ve written this same answer several times... View More

The answer depends on what the contract says. You need to get a lawyer to review it, particularly if you don't trust your realtor or don't have one.

It is impossible to give a competent answer without a better description of how you hold title. If you want a real answer, get a "current title" search and then amend your question to include the current title owner line. If I had that, I could at least hope to give you a vague, ambiguous... View More

If you find a private lender who would not require your personal guarantee and, often, security of your home co-signed by your spouse, you should hold that lender very close… or share his name with me. You will be completely liable on your project unless the lender is an idiot, and most hard... View More

In DC, you file a lis pendens. The law changed a number of years ago, and the lawsuit, itself, is not a lien. It is a great idea ti have counsel assist in this.

I am a DC landlord/tenant lawyer. As long as the tenant is not violating his lease, you cannot evict him. The evidence you discuss is not sufficient to warrant eviction. As to whether or not they can fine you, that depends on what is in any agreement you have with the Board. You will likely have... View More

You may have both a latent defect and a misrepresentation cause of action if the defect was latent and the seller knew and lied in the disclosure. The case may involve attorneys fees and treble damages.

Query: My mother passed and she left a Will. My sister and I are beneficiaries. Do we need to file large estate probate to sell?

Yes. In the District of Columbia, title passes on death to the estate, so the easiest way to confer title is by opening a. ADM private estate. There is a cute... View More

Your understanding is incorrect. You are not at the same kind of risk if you give proper 30-day notice and then file suit. That will merely be dismissed. But, if you attempt self-help, you are at grave risk. Buy a consult with a lawyer. For starters, it's a 90-day notice. Next, if the property... View More

In DC, you're able to withhold rent for housing code violations and wastewater coming into your unit seems to qualify. The landlord may take you to court and you'd have to explain the housing code violation, but this is a viable remedy for you.

The survivor of the two joint tenants becomes sole owner of the property as a matter of law. The survivor can, but need not, file a new deed to show the property is solely theirs. They will need the death certificate and a new deed drafted. Alternatively, they may only need to record the death... View More

You need to speak with a lawyer to fill in the family tree and discuss any Will or trust that might exist. Just for the first questions:

Is there a Will, and is your or you late husbands name in it?

Did "the decedent" -- the first person to die -- we'll call him or... View More

You should have a consult with a lawyer before he dies. The facts matter, and they should not be discussed in an open forum.

If you are both members of the National Association of Realtors, GCAAR (and/or MAR) and the MRIS, there is a mandatory arbitration system maintained by either GCAAR, MAR, or MRIS. That might be useful, or you might get a lawyer involved early on in the hopes that, by communications with the... View More

All owners have to agree to a sale unless a court orders sale in lieu of partition. That petition is, however, fairly straightforward in the hands of experienced counsel.

What a perfect example of the old adage “Pay me now or pay me (much more) later.” A revision of the Will would have cost a few hundred. An estate plan that effectively cut spousal rights to the legal minimum would have cost a few thousand. I could argue either side of that one, and that... View More

If taxes are due, yes. But, that will rarely be the case. See a qualified CPA or lawyer.

Not enough facts to answer this question. What gives you the right to claim an interest in "the sale of the house and bank accounts"? Were you named in a will by the deceased owner of these assets as an heir or legatee? Is your name on the title to these assets? If so, you will need... View More

Unfortunately, unlike Maryland's MHIC, the DCRA does not have a proactive investigatory and civil enforcement arm to it, and there is no insurance fund for consumers to claim against in the event a licensed contractor fails to perform a home improvement. Homeowners in DC are left to sue on... View More