Posted on: 03rd Jun, 2010 05:19 pm
My father left his home as a life estate will to his wife (stepmother) and at her death it will go to his six children. She has not paid the property taxes for the past year and the house needs maintance work (gutters falling down). The city of Richmond say they can take the house for no up keep and behind taxes. Can they since it is a life estate? Can the children sue her for permissive waste? Can she agree to turn the house over to the children before her death?
Hi Kitty!
Welcome to forums!
Though there is a life estate, if the property is not maintained and if the taxes are not paid on time, then the City of Richmond will be able to take the property. As far as suing is concerned, anyone can be sued by anyone. If the will mentions that the property will go to the children after the mother's death, then, there's no need to sign a new deed for the same. You and your siblings can pay the property taxes and maintain the property so that the city does not take it away.
Feel free to ask if you've further queries.
Sussane
Welcome to forums!
Though there is a life estate, if the property is not maintained and if the taxes are not paid on time, then the City of Richmond will be able to take the property. As far as suing is concerned, anyone can be sued by anyone. If the will mentions that the property will go to the children after the mother's death, then, there's no need to sign a new deed for the same. You and your siblings can pay the property taxes and maintain the property so that the city does not take it away.
Feel free to ask if you've further queries.
Sussane