Probate

[Andresa Guidelli]

Quick question for the probate experts out there.

I found a vacant property located in a great area where we are currently investing. I tracked the owner down. Sent yellow letter (vacant property and mailing address are the same). It returned with the note from the post office "deceased". I went to the court house in Philly (always a challenging place) to look at Estate files and so far there's no info on their system. Any suggestion how can I proceed from here?

[Rick H.]

You can track down heirs (or beneficiaries, if a valid will is produced). Your first clue might be found on a death certificate where the "informant" or next of kin is identified.

Then your decision must be if you can coax the relative to get sufficient probate court powers and authority to sell you the property or alternatively, purchase the interest(s) of the heirs or bene's, step into their shoes, and take the fiduciary duties upon yourself and complete the probate yourself.