ownership/ deeds of house

daisydood

Hi! Recently my family realized that our family home is not in our names. The house was built in 1950 and was registered in the previous owners name. He had a council (loan)?? Out on it. In 1961 it was sold to my grandparents via cash transaction. The deeds were signed over and given to the solicitor. Up until recently we assumed the house was in the family name but now we know different. We have been in contact with the land registry offices and register of deeds office and both only have records of the original owner and no evidence of the sale. We then realized that the solicitor never in fact registered the change in ownership or the sale. The original owner, my grandparents and the solicitor are all now deceased and no will was left by my grandparents as they died suddenly. The solicitors son took over his business and when contacted he had no interest in tracing it.

My question is what legal standing do we have now. We are currently not in a financial position to pay a solicitor as advised by several but it is definitely not an option at present. Does the solicitors son have any legal obligation to follow it through for us? And if the original owner did not fully pay the council back has the council still got a claim to our home?

Sorry about the long post guys but literally am lost when It comes to legal matters so would really appreciate any info on this! Thanks

daisydood

Also just to add although it may seem like it I'm not actually looking for legal advice I'm more so just wondering is there any way around this other than involving a solicitor

Pro Hoc Vice

Simple answer only a solicitor can sort this mess. Contact the Law Society.

Peregrinus

There is no way you can sort this without a solicitor. Your grandparents executor has the responsibility of sorting it out. The costs of doing so can be paid out of the estate.

daisydood

Thanks guys. Guess I'll just have to wait it out and save ! Such a mess!

username123

Considering this has been the case since 1961 - I dont think you have much to worry about. Nice way to avoid property tax "sure its not in my name judge!"