Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Maryland

In maryland, my mother built a house on my sisters land. My mom died in 2010, my sister died in 2015. My sister was married. Do I have any recourse to get value of mom's home.


Asked on 1/18/16, 5:34 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Cedulie Laumann Arden Law Firm, LLC

The answer depends on how the real estate was titled and on the last surviving owner's will. The fact scenario doesn't say whether title changed when the house was built.

Real estate title goes by deed. If the deed is in a parent's name and they die without a will, then their ownership interest goes to heirs under the laws of intestate succession (generally meaning that children will inherit although how much depends on whether or not the parent was married at the time of death). If the parent is not on the deed, then they wouldn't own it and it would belong to whomever did own it. When the last owner in title dies, then property passes through that person's Will (or if they don't have a will under the laws of intestate succession).

When trying to figure out what rights one might have in any real estate, the first place to look is the deed. While I hope this general information helps, it doesn't take the place of getting specific legal advice.

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Answered on 1/19/16, 5:45 am


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