Delinquent property taxes on house owned by 3 tenants-in-common

[Michael Broks]

A lawsuit was filed by the city for delinquent property taxes. Property is owned by 3 tenants in common, 2 of whom are deceased. I am the one still alive, and do not want to continue to be solely responsible for taxes and upkeep while heirs are located and hopefully property can be sold. But I do not want the place to be lost while this is in progress.

As a tenant in common am I responsible for only 1/3 share of the delinquent taxes, and by paying my 1/3 will my name be removed from the lawsuit? Or is it all or nothing? I believe the law firm handling this for the city has been trying to serve me papers. Can I delay the court hearing by not getting served? I have a couple weeks to the court date, and if I can extend that it may give us time to resolve this.

If I need to pay more than my share is there anyway to recoup this when/if the house is sold? May I put a lien on the property?

And, finally, are there rules in place to allow me to simply ask for a continuance and give us time to sort this?

Thank you