What to do if the previous owner of my house wants to file a lawsuit against an insurer to collect money from a hurricane?
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What to do if the previous owner of my house wants to file a lawsuit against an insurer to collect money from a hurricane?
They asked me to sign a document releasing all interests as part of the case. Will this affect my property value if they collect money in the case?
Asked on October 2, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Texas
Answers:
B.H.F., Member, Texas State Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
It depends on what they are asking for in their lawsuit. Generally-- just asking to pay for general damages won't affect the value of property. However, if the claim alleges major defects somewhere in the property because of the hurricane, then yes, it could-- because it would be documentation of something wrong with the property. Before you sign a release, let an attorney look at it. It's a bit odd that someone is trying to file a claim for something they no longer own-- it doesn't mean it's not valid, just odd--- and you don't want to get caught in the middle of something odd if their request is not on the up and up.
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