Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in South Carolina

How do I find out who this property belongs to?

A piece of property in S.C. belonged to my grandparents and they are no longer living. The tax bill still comes in their name. My mother is the only living child and would like to have the property transfered over me, it was my grandparents intention to give the house to me, but they did not have a will. My mother had a sister who lived in the house with her children after my grandparents died. Since my aunt has died but her children have been living in the house for many years. Now they are in default of paying their taxes. I would like to pay the taxes and also get the house signed over into my name. How do I find out why the property is still in my grandparents name and what research do I need to do in order to get the deed, maps or other information and who should I contact-(tax assessor, probate court,forms to fill out?) in order to purchase the property?

Thank you for your help and Happy New Year!


Asked on 12/30/05, 10:03 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

John Heffernan Heffernan Legal Group, LLP

Re: How do I find out who this property belongs to?

My guess is that no-one ever opened estates for either of your grandparents. Title to property doesn't get transferred by magic. You can try to do this by yourself by contacting the probate court in SC (I think it's by county down there), but my belief is that you'd be in way over your head. Best bet is to hire an attorney down there to straighten this out. Be sure to contact the tax collector to advise him of the situation so they don't foreclose on the property.

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Answered on 12/30/05, 10:36 am


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