Expert: Dick Dennis - 9/15/2007

Question
Mr. Dennis,
I live in Texas and there is a small (about 22"x40") piece of land at the back of my neighbors home that could connect my home to an alley way.  I have tried to research it and between 1962 (where the land was listed with my neighbors land ) and 1973 ( when the primary landowner died and you can see the deeds ( where the land is no longer listed) I could not find where it had been legally split off or sold.  The city has it listed as owner unknown and no taxes have been paid since '92.  My question is can I pay the taxes and advertise (can I do this myself?) or am I going to have to hire a lawyer? I am wanting the property to give me a right of way into my backyard for a garage. I made the mistake of not having this cleared up before I purchased the home.
Thanks for any help
Ruth

Answer
Yes, I strongly suggest you consult a real estate attorney and look into a possibility of taking over the title of that land after you have paid the taxes (if any are due) and have notoriously used the property for a set amount of time. The attorney will explain. I do wish you well.

Dick Dennis      dixiedee13@verizon.net