Jan. 19, 2009
Dear George: I own one of three undivided interests in a property. Somehow a deed showed up in the county courthouse that says a now-deceased owner of the other two interests sold the whole property without my knowledge. This deed also re-drew the boundary lines to include part of another undivided property. How can I challenge this document?
Answer: A tenant-in-common can convey his interest at any time, but he can't convey more than he has. He also can't convey a specific parcel, only his undivided interest in the whole. If the new owner refuses to cooperate, you'll need to seek legal help.
E-mail a question to ask George & Chuck or fax it to 713-978-6684. The answers to questions in this column do not contain legal advice. If you wish to obtain legal advice, you should consult your own attorney.
