Saturday, October 21, 2006

Home wreckers

Lovers and relatives are the source of many property title disputes. That and time. Time brings resentments and rejection into relationships. Time goes by and people think that what has been for so long must be the way that it is. Such as possession of property. When a relative lives in the property, makes the monthly loan payment directly, fixes up the place, after a while its just like they own the place, isn't it? They may think so when you tell them to get out, maybe because you have a quarrel, maybe because you simply want to sell the place. But the relatives think the place is theirs and file a "quiet title" legal action, asking the court to put the title in their names. Will they win? The most likely answer: No. The law recognizes that property is impacted by the passage of time. For example, if somebody squats on your property and pays the taxes every year and they might make a claim for constructive possession of the property if they meet certain requirements. But those requirements are tough to meet. The usual bottom line is the name on the grant deed. If it's in your name, it's your property.