Occasionally, despite the best efforts of everyone involved, the heirs cannot agree how to dispose of property. In most of these situations, there are an even number of joint heirs to a piece of unimproved real property and they each have an equal share, so there is no effective way to break a tie.
Sometimes, the heirs can reach a compromise with the help of an attorney or another third party. Other times, a total or partial buyout may be an option. If all else fails, the property will be partitioned by either the Circuit Court’s Probate Division or the Superior Court.
What Happens
Once the will is probated, the court can use its equitable powers to bring about a property disposition. The jury can consider several factors, including:
Legal Status: A joint tenancy does not necessarily connote a fifty-fifty share for partition purposes, but it does create a presumption in favor of such a split. Some wills anticipate issues like this and divide ownership unequally.- Noneconomic Contributions: Did Heir #1 do most or all of the legwork involved while Heir #2 essentially only signed the final paperwork
- Maintenance: Did Heir #1 take the initiative to secure the property and maintain it during the underlying probate proceedings?
The jury can also use any other relevant factor, because the partition statute’s goal is to determine the parties’ actual interest in the property and resolve the dispute in a reasonable manner.
Legal Status: A joint tenancy does not necessarily connote a fifty-fifty share for partition purposes, but it does create a presumption in favor of such a split. Some wills anticipate issues like this and divide ownership unequally.The Outcome
Since it is impossible to literally divide the house in half, most courts either require the parties to sell the house or facilitate a buyout, after first determining the relative interests. Assume that the will names Heir #1 and Heir #2 joint tenants over the decedent’s house; Heir #1 wants to keep the house, and Heir #2 wants to sell it to a developer. Further assume that Heir #1 pays the taxes, insurance, and maintenance. The jury may well decide that Heir #1 has a greater equitable stake in the property and divide interest 75-25. Heir #1 can buy out Heir #2’s stake or, if the property is sold, receive 75 percent of the proceeds.
Compromise is almost always preferable to partition, but this remedy is available. To sell inherited property in a way that is fair to all involved, CONTACT US TODAY!
