Expert: Dick Dennis - 6/21/2006

Question
My parents entered into a life estate with my 2 sisters, one brother and myself. My Mom has passed but Dad still lives in the home. My siblings and I had a falling out and haven't spoken in years. The last I knew, my name was on the Deed (of which I have a copy). My question is, can anything be done on the part of my siblings to remove my name from the deed? Thank you for any assistance.

Answer
The only way your name may be removed from a deed with a life estate is for you to sign it over to whoever. As long as you don't do any signing of a deed regarding that house, you have no concern until you Dad passes. Then you better hire a real estate attorney to make sure your interest is protected. It might be a good idea from time to time to check the title of the property . . . just to make sure. What you have as a copy is only a memorandum. The county's records is what counts.

I do wish you well.

Dick Dennis