Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania

My father died when I was 15 years old, we lived in the City of Philadelphia. He owned Land and Property in the City of New Jersey. When he died he didn't have a WILL. My uncle somehow forced him to sign a letter, with a notary present. My father was in hospice, at the time, heavly medicated and not able to make decisions regarding legal matters. Ten years later, the property is still in my father's name. Currently, my uncle is selling the property and offering me money. My question is do I have grounds to contest the will.


Asked on 10/19/11, 12:58 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

Ten years later may be too late to contest a will. The time for you to contest may run from the date when you reached majority, but you would have to check the Statute of Limitations.

Are you sure that your uncle probated the document he had your father sign? You may check by contacting the office of the Register of Wills for Philadelphia County.

Find out if your uncle is asking you to sign anything in return for offering you money.

If the estate was not probated, you may seek Letters of Administration, which starts the process of estate administration. This is also done through the office of the Register of Wills for Philadelphia County.

You may want to find out if a title insurance agency or lawyer is involved in the property sale and notify it or her/him that you are the heir of the legal owner (your father) of the property.

You'd best consult with a lawyer in Philadelphia as well as a NJ lawyer to try to find out your options and rights.

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.

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Answered on 10/19/11, 1:30 pm


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