One would need to examine the specific language in the deed, coupled with your mother’s half sister is will to make that determination.

Your lease is totally separate from the landlord's mortgage. if you have an interest for the lender to assign the mortgage to you, it would be advisable for you to contact mortgage company to discuss that idea.

Nope - it's the second fastest way to lose. Lying on the witness stand in front of the judge/jury is the fastest.

What does your lease say about it? Have you read it? Did you sign it? Are you in Hampton? Is the lease in Hampton? What's in Hampton?

Not per se, but there are many additional facts that would make that improper. You should seek out a consult with an attorney if the opportunity is sufficiently valuable to you.

File a motion asking the court to determine if he is an heir and a motion asking the court to approve your decision to sell the house.

In Virginia, the title to the house passes outside of probate subject to recapture by the Administrator if the sale is needed to pay debts, including distributions. Your safest bet is to put on a motion and get the court to approve a sale. You can then sign for it.

An attorney would make... View More

The only way to bring a complaint against the property management company is to file a lawsuit in Court. I am unaware of anything that is done in your situation by HUD or NARPM. If you file a lawsuit in Virginia, you are subject to appearing in court to prosecute your case. There are no remote... View More

FYI, the law is not designed to solve every little problem that comes your way during this lifetime; the Latin phrase for this rule is "De minimus non curat lex." In addition to that general rule, please understand that this particular question should best be answered by your "friend... View More

I am sorry for your loss. What other assets are in the estate? Short sales are time consuming, frustrating, and generally not worth it - I usually suggest to my clients that they let it go to foreclosure unless there's other issues.

What does your probate attorney advise? If you... View More

The definition of real estate is land. If something is built on the land, it is developed real estate.

The IRS has a motto: "We've got what it takes to take what you've got".

Practical response: IRS has filed a lien on property; the Owner sells it to Buyer and Buyer pays Owner cash. IRS isn't paid. The lien remains on the property and IRS can file a suit to take... View More

The answer depends on place, date, and type of service. It also depends on what you mean by “respond.” Part of the Answer you seek may be printed on the Summons, but it is very easy to get the wrong and Virginia Courts are very serious about defaults. Schedule a consult with a local lawyer to... View More

You need to review the lease with a licensed real estate lawyer. If the lease puts the burgent of maintenance or repair on the tenant, you might be obligated. It usually doesn’t in residential leases in Vienna, particularly illegal basement apartments. Contrary to popular belief, all leases are... View More

I presume you mean some kind of litigation, not a sale and settlement of property.

What kind of case? How many parties to it? What are the issues the court is trying to unravel?

There is NO 'average', and the answer is dependent on too many factors to go into here.

It depends on the lawyer asking the discovery questions. however, one consequence could be sanctions imposed by a judge.

Lawyers don’t “approve” contracts. They review and advise their clients on the legalities of their dealings. After the advice, the contracting parties remain responsible for their choices, though they might have a claim against the lawyer if his advice was malpractice. If what you are doing... View More

If you were in my office I'd have a series of questions, beginning with "HOW did your mother 'leave' the house to your sister?" If it was willed, and the will recorded at the courthouse, then you do not have a right to it, and title to the property is in your sister... View More

The landlord would not dismiss the case because the landlord still wants the return of possession of the property from the tenant and can only get this by a judge who orders it.

Generally, if the tenant pays all the back rent (and other costs and late fees) before the unlawful detainer's first court date and the tenant gets a written agreement with the landlord that the landlord will dismiss the case, then the unlawful detainer will stop. Otherwise, the unlawful... View More