When you have a Grandparent who passes with no will and still remains on property deed, what is the fastest way to change this?
Grandmother passed away at the height of COVID-19 5 years ago. It's a small rural property worth less than $25,000. The property deed remains in her name & there was no will. She has 4 living children heirs that remain, one of whom is my mother. For many years prior to & the years after my Grandmother passed, I was the one paying property taxes & also the one residing here with my grandmother before she took ill & her care necessitated a nursing facility. Now there is an Easement/eminent domain issue hovering because a gas company intends to expand a pipeline in the area and our family land is critical to their right of way access. We have to quickly change the name to another family member so that negotiations and decisions can be made. The heirs want to designate me to be on the deed. I didn't ask for it or know if my circumstance makes it the best call. But they are in their golden years with health issues and government benefits that may prevent them from being listed on this asset. I have my own issues, but the name has to be changed. Washington County has a speedier process other than probate called "Petition for No Administration Necessary". What should we do here? Step 1?
No Administration Necessary MIGHT be the best procedure for you, but the estate has to qualify and it can be tricky. Your best bet is to consult a probate lawyer and let them develop all the facts and advise you accordingly. Keep in mind that your definition of "speedier" and the Court's definition of "speedier" are likely much different. At the heart of all legal procedures is the notion of "notice", that all interested persons receive notice of what is happening so they can weigh in before their rights are compromised. This necessitates time being added to whatever it is you are trying to accomplish. Best move right now is to see a lawyer. Good luck.
My response here is meant to be a general answer to your legal question posed in a public forum without a detailed factual analysis. Please don't act on anything you read here without consulting an attorney to whom you have presented the entire factual situation. No attorney-client relationship is created by my answer to your question.
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Thank you so much Dana for this helpful advice. In GA, what's the average price range for a consultation with a probate attorney?