Need creative solution to unwanted co-owner situation

[Colin O'Neill]

Hi Biggerpockets folk,

Quick backstory: Own a duplex with in-laws, all on the deed, bought as a primary residence in 1998 for both couples. Mother-in-law passes away, father-in-law remarries, dies 8 months later. No will, so property goes into probate. Stepmother-in-law (basically a total stranger) ends up owning 1/4 share of the property when all is said and done. We need to disentangle ourselves from this situation. We bought a larger house a few towns away almost three years ago; had to be creative as she would not (on full SS disability so basically can't afford to) sell, so we have a tenant renting our unit. Our strong desire is to sell, and start again with a property with no emotional baggage in a few years after paying off debt. We have considered condo-ing the house, but the lawyer that stepbrother-in-law spoke to said it wouldn't be a conventional mortgage to purchase her unit, so that was eliminated as an option. We know petition to partition is available, but we're viewing that as a last resort. Even though she is basically the fairy-tale wicked stepmother, we don't want to see her homeless. Thanks in advance for any insight.

Colin