If I paid taxes on jointly owned property for the last 10 years, do I now own it?
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If I paid taxes on jointly owned property for the last 10 years, do I now own it?
My brother and I bought some land. We were both to pay all expenses equally, however he got divorced shortly after and could no longer pay the taxes and other costs so I got stuck paying for everything.
Asked on November 25, 2018 under Real Estate Law, Michigan
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 5 years ago | Contributor
Actually, you don't have sole ownership at this point. Merely paying for taxes and other property expenses does not convey title. To do that the other co-owner, your brother, would have to legally transfer his interest to you via quitclaim deed. In fact, depending on the agreement that you had with him, you may not even be entitled to reimbusement.
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