inherited land in Texas has had sqwaters on it for 3 years, they have filed to keep it how do we fight it?
MY mother inherited a portion of 167 acres from her dad when h passed away. She lives in California. The property is in EAst Texas, the taxes were being payed by logging on the property.
We just found out from a land rep that they want my mom to lease them the mineral rights on the property. We subsequently discovered some sq-waters have bought the property for 500.00 dollars,the Energy Co. Land Representative from DEvon Energy, is requesting the mineral rights be leased.
I contacted an attorney, who states there are at least 10 other decedents of the original owners of this property, it was bought as a homestead in 1870, that are fighting the squatters. But th attorney claims we need to give him 4000.00$ dollars to retain his services and 200.00$ dollars an hour!!!! If members of the family are all ready disputing the squatters why do we need to come up with that much more money for our own land????
April 23rd, 2010 at 4:38 am
As Buzz states, evict them first. They will not win this, but you should try to avoid court.
However, do NOT refund any 500 bucks, that will give them support that you thought they bought the land too.
In order for squatters to steal your land they have to live on it with your knowledge, not hidden away. They also have to pay the property taxes.
If you have title insurance the insurance company should pay your attorney fees for eviction or the squatters trial, which ever happens. This is definitely a title issue and covered under your insurance, as they are actually trying to say they bought the title for $500.
April 23rd, 2010 at 4:38 am
Well you could try finding a family member who is a lawyer or a personal friend. My suggestion is think everything through carefully.
April 23rd, 2010 at 4:38 am
I would get a few more opinions from other atty’s… and then decide what is the best way to go… it looks like you will probably have to retain one eventually, but definitly get other opinions first..
heck, call the sherriff and have the squatters evicted… they shouldn’t be there to begin with it sounds like… heck give them their $500 dollars back and tell them to go away… FOREVER.