Bank Owned Property w/ Utilities Shared On Adjacent Parcel

[Garrett H.]

Recently purchased a bank owned foreclosure with an existing distressed duplex that I will rehab. After closing on the property, I have detected a 30 amp line running from my electrical property to the adjacent parcel that has a single outlet hooked up to it (perhaps for a RV). The adjacent parcel is owned by the same individual that had previously owned the distressed property that I purchased from the bank. This adjacent parcel is small and undeveloped that currently has junk/vehicles scattered across it. Upon further research, the listed owner for that parcel is deceased. Found her son on social media hoping he is actively managing the property but have received no responses after attempting to contact. Contacting the County has been of no help for further ownership clarification. 

The ultimate goal was to try to get this parcel cleaned up, even at my expense if necessary, to not be a visual deterrent for future, potential tenants. After discovering this shared electrical line running from my panel and besides just cutting/removing the line at my boundary, I am wondering what my rights are as the owner now and if anyone has come across similar scenarios? And, also how one would track down the actual owner so I may discuss cleaning up or even potentially purchasing the parcel? The deceased owner had obviously used both parcels as if it were one. Any solutions or guidance to clarify options would be greatly appreciated! 

[Mark Pedroza]

Originally posted by @Will Fraser:

Hi @Garrett H., welcome to the bigger pockets forums! 

Regarding the electricity - you can simply have an electrician remove the 30 amp wire from your panel.  Problem solved at that point.

Regarding the owner -- the key is going to be tracking the probate flow of the process.  Once the owner died it started the probate process and there are set rules for who things go to.  If that son is in fact the one that the property passed to they may not know of it, or they might be ostriching (burying their head and not dealing with it now).  You could deep creep that person and pay then a visit or interact with them in a different way to discern their willingness to clean it up or part with the property.

In CA once a person dies probate is not automatic. Someone (the the proposed PR) has to petition the court for court confirmation to represent the decedents estate..