How can I negotiate a fair buyout of my interest in the family land when my co-owner is offering much less than the appraised value? (MA)
Negotiate a fair buyout of your interest in family land in Massachusetts This FAQ explains how to negotiate a fair buyout when a co-owner offers far less than an appraisal. It covers how to confirm your interest, calculate a reasonable buyout, negotiation tactics, and the court option (partition) under Massachusetts law. Detailed Answer 1. Confirm […]
Read article →What happens if mediation fails and I need to file a partition action to force the sale of our jointly owned land? (MA)
Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. This article explains how partition actions typically work in Massachusetts for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a Massachusetts attorney about your specific situation. Detailed Answer — How a Massachusetts partition action works after failed mediation If mediation fails and co-owners cannot agree about what to […]
Read article →How do co-owners initiate a partition action to divide or sell shared real property? (MA)
FAQ: Starting a partition lawsuit for jointly owned real estate in Massachusetts Detailed answer — what a co-owner must know to begin a partition action in Massachusetts This FAQ explains the practical steps a co-owner should take to start a court action to divide or sell property held with others under Massachusetts law. A partition […]
Read article →How is property divided in an actual partition of real property when some acres are better than others? (MA)
Detailed Answer Short answer: In Massachusetts a court trying a partition action will try to divide land physically (partition in kind) when it is practical. When some acres are demonstrably more valuable than others the court uses appraisals, commissioners, and money adjustments so each co‑owner receives a fair share. If physical division cannot produce reasonably […]
Read article →How can a co-owner obtain monetary compensation instead of receiving physical property? – MA
FAQ: Turning a Co-Owner Interest into Cash Under Massachusetts Law Short answer: Co-owners can get money instead of a physical share by negotiating a buyout, using a court-ordered partition sale, or asking the court to award monetary compensation when an in-kind division is impractical. Massachusetts courts prefer partition in kind but will order sale or […]
Read article →Can I negotiate with my siblings to try and avoid a partition action in Massachusetts on inherited property?
Disclaimer This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney before taking any legal action. Detailed Answer Understanding Partition Actions in Massachusetts Under Massachusetts law, co-owners of real property each hold an undivided share. If one or more owners want to end joint ownership, any co-owner can […]
Read article →How Can a Massachusetts Co-Owner Seek Reimbursement for Improvements to Estate Real Property?
Detailed Answer When two or more people inherit or own real estate together in Massachusetts, each co-owner contributes to the property. If one co-owner pays for improvements—such as a new roof, remodeling, or landscaping—they may seek reimbursement. Under Massachusetts law, this usually occurs through a partition action. 1. Partition Action Under M.G.L. c. 185, § […]
Read article →How to Prepare a Jointly Owned Property for Sale Before a Foreclosure Hearing in Massachusetts
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer When joint owners face a looming foreclosure hearing in Massachusetts, timely preparation can protect equity and simplify the sale process. Follow these steps under Massachusetts law to prepare a co-owned property for sale before the foreclosure sale date. 1. Review […]
Read article →How to Coordinate Realtor Selection with a Co-Owner for a Joint Property Sale in Massachusetts
Detailed Answer Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance on your specific situation. When two or more people co-own property in Massachusetts, they must coordinate closely to select a real estate agent. Massachusetts recognizes several forms of co-ownership, including tenants in common and joint tenants, […]
Read article →How to calculate and recover carrying costs from a co-owner in a joint sale agreement in Massachusetts
Detailed Answer When co-owners agree to sell property jointly, each party shares carrying costs such as mortgage interest, insurance, property taxes, and maintenance. Under Massachusetts law, you can recover these costs by demanding reimbursement or seeking contribution in court. 1. Identify and Document Carrying Costs Create a spreadsheet of all expenses since ownership began. Include […]
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