Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania

I live in Philadelphia PA. My question is ; Can I use Laches as a defense in a property that I and my parents, (now deceased), lived in for the past 60 years, and that is still deeded to my deceased grandparents. Yes , there are abou (13) direct decendants, including my (2) sisters.


Asked on 6/29/11, 6:43 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

What are you defending against?

Laches is a defense when someone else claims something that they should have claimed within a certain period in the past.

If title to the property has not been resolved, you and your family should go through the necessary probate procedures to put legal title into those of the descendants who are entitled and/or who everyone agrees should now own the property.

If the property was vacant for a long time and someone is claiming adverse possession, unless you don't want the property, you should not try to defend against this without legal representation.

I do not know all of the facts and circumstances, but have stated only SOME of the issues that may be involved.

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 6/29/11, 6:52 am


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