How do I sell or get rid of my share of an inherited house?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

How do I sell or get rid of my share of an inherited house?

My brother, sister and I inherited a house after our mother passed. My sister is refusing to sell her share of the home, however also does not want to buy my share out. I do not want to just give up my share, but I don’t want to be in a co-ownership situation any longer. What are my legal rights?

Asked on May 11, 2017 under Real Estate Law, New York

Answers:

M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 7 years ago | Contributor

Assuming that the property has now been transferred into your names, in a situation in which co-owners of property cannot agree as to ownership matters, the law provides the remedy of "partition". This is a legal tool designed to resolve disputes in such matters. In an action for patition, a court will order the division of the property, if practical. However, if it not, as in the case of a single family house, then the court will order a "sale in lieu of partition". Pursuant to this, the property will be placed for sale at fair market value. Once sold, the proceeds will equitably distributed to each co-owner. That having been said, before the property is offered to 3rd parties, any owner(s) who wish(es) to retain it can offer to buy out the other owner(s) (again for fair market value).


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption