Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania

Myself and brother own 1 arcer of land. He wants to split it in half down the middle. Do I have to agree or can I have it split another way


Asked on 4/30/10, 7:48 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

You can't just "split" land. It is subject to requirements of the town or city where it is located. It may require a subdivision approval. Check with your local government.

The line where you are planning to divide the property has to take into account location of utilities, buildings, etc. The line has to be created by a survey plan, approved by your local government, and new deeds recorded with the new property descriptions.

If you and your brother can't agree on how the property should be divided [as far as percentage], you will have to go to court. Often, the court will order sale of the property with a division of the proceeds. This is rarely the result either party wants, and it involves considerable expense that will bring down the net proceeds of sale.

This response is not legal advice, since I do not have all of the information that would be required, and I do not have a representation agreement with you.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.

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Answered on 5/05/10, 8:46 am


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