From Our “Ask a Question” Mailbag: Enforcing a Land Contract Against an Estate

Most Recently Updated August 9, 2018.

“I have a contract to purchase my neighbor’s land in Philadelphia.  Before I could complete the process, he died.  Now the family refuses to open the estate and sign the deed over to me.  Is there a method for enforcing a land contract against a deceased owner? Further, can you explain how to enforce a land contract against an estate?”

Enforcing a Land Contract Against an Estate

Enforcing a Land Contract Against an Estate

At your neighbor’s death, his right to execute contracts or deeds ended. This right is taken up by his executor.  His estate’s executor will have all the same rights and obligations to carry out the contract’s terms.

Generally, the executor will promptly file the will and take over responsibility for the estate’s assets.  The executor is with whom you would enforce your rights.  Often the beneficiaries are eager to proceed to sale.  They want the money!

Enforcing a Land Contract Against a Deceased Owner is Possible.

Unfortunately, executors don’t always do their jobs.

When an administrator fails to file the will and open the estate an interested party, such as yourself, has the right to Petition the Court to force the executor to file the Will.  The heirs cannot avoid you through inaction unless you decide not to enforce your right.  The system protects you, but you must enforce your rights.

The wise choice would be to retain an attorney experienced in probate, real estate, and estate litigation.  Your goal is to obtain good title to the land in the shortest possible time. This process is not simple, and there are several pitfalls to be avoided.  You will need expertise in several fields to receive your title clear and free.

You Can Force the Estate Open, but Who Serves as Executor?

The court can force the family to produce and file the Will, but it cannot force anyone to serve as executor.  If the deceased’s family refuses to serve as administrator, the court has the right to appoint someone else.  If you are the only person interested in having the Will filed, then you might be forced to take on this job.  You should only take on this job after careful consideration.  While you need not use your own funds to pay creditors, if you fail to gather an asset which reduces an inheritance, then the court could hold you accountable to beneficiaries or creditors for that asset’s loss.  You will want advice from an experienced Probate Attorney.  Luckily, you are allowed to use the estate’s funds to hire an attorney to advise you.

More Probate Questions?

Enforcing a Land Contract Against an Estate is only part of the overall probate process. By all means, if you wish to learn more, please read my more detailed article, The Probate Process All You Need to Know.

In Conclusion: Enforcing a Land Contract Against an Estate

I hope that this article was helpful in explaining Enforcing a Land Contract Against an Estate. Further, I included links to even more detailed information on my website. Therefore, please contact me and let me know how I did. Certainly, your comments and questions are welcome!

Let our Probate Lawyers help walk you through what can be a confusing process. To begin with, call to speak to one of our experienced Probate Attorneys.  By all means, our lawyers are ready to answer your questions. In fact, feel free to contact our office for a free consultation. Ultimately our goal is to make the process as painless as possible!

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