Potentially Inheriting A Property With "Tenants"

[Ben Meier]

I need a BP recommendation for an attorney specializing in REI in the Waco area.

My father recieved notice that he was being sued for back property taxes on a home he didn't know my grandfather owned. He said if I took this tax burden off of his shoulders, the property was mine. Pretty sweet deal.

It's 4 hours away from us near Waco, just a few houses over from my grandparents old home. In the 90s, my grandpa sold lots out of his land to create an addition in that area, so searching CAD/county clerk files is daunting.

Apparently this house was built in 2000 and my father didn't know that it was his. Fast forward to today - 35K in back taxes on a property with "tenants". The deed is in his name alone and my dad is the only heir. Neither grandparents wills went through probate. Whatever property my grandmother had interest in, she gave to her grandson.

We're driving up tomorrow to talk to a real estate attorney. I have to figure out how the home is being rented without being owned, if it can be transferred, and get the taxes paid. If not, this thing is going to auction.

What kind of stuff should I be aware of? How painful can this process be?