Clearing a property title -- I am the registered taxpayer on the property.

[dfinley]

My husband and his friend bought a 40 acre piece of land 25 years ago. He passed away and his friend was suppossed to buy out my half of the land as per their agreement. He disappeared and I have been paying the property taxes on this land for the past 25 yrs. I am the registered taxpayer on the property. I can not sell the land because the title has my Husband's name and the word "etal" on it. I understand this to mean "and others". I want to get this land sold. What can I do?

Thank You
dfinley

[AFFA]

I wish to inform you that you may have the property transferred in your name. In this the share of your husband may be transferred to you as a legal heir and you may then demand partition of land from court and sell your share. As 25 years have passed therefore it can be argued in court if any objection is raised that your husbands friend has not purchased land nor intends to purchase land.

AFF

[Lexus]

First you have to change the ownership of your husband’s portion of land into your name. As your husband passed away you are the legal heir for his portion of land. You can petition to the court for getting the land partitioned and transferring it into your name. Your husband’s friend disappeared and you are paying taxes for the past 25 years. So these are good grounds for getting your property partitioned. It is better advised that you may consult with a Property Attorney who can give a proper guidance in this regard.