Expert: Lori Frankfort - 10/1/2007

Question
When my mother-in-law bought the house 11 years ago, her niece gave her 20k to add to her down payment and for the first 5-6 years she was paid about 5k leaving her about 15k plus interest. Currently, my mother-in-law is going to have a surgery and wants her name remove in the title. She offered her niece 15k plus interest with the amount that she would have gotten if she invested it but she won’t accept the offer (She’s pretty hostile about it). My mother-in-law already talked to a lawyer and she still won't accept the offer. Where can i get additional information and educate myself about it. Do you know where I can find some references of the law or any suggestions you may have to solve this issue?


Answer
Hi Jun

A Real Estate Attorney is really the best resource.  I find it odd that the other lawyer couldn't help, but maybe that person wasn't a Real Estate specialist.  I'm not an attorney, but I'm wondering if they ever had an official agreement about the money, in the form of a contract?  If not, you'll have to hire an attorney and go to court to settle the issue.  I can't believe her niece is being this way.  So sorry.

Best,
Lori Frankfort