Real Estate Question

[RockPoint]

Background info- My father in law owned property in Treasure, as a US citizen, and passed away unexpectedly. The property was in his name only. The property spent two years in probate, in the Bahamas and US, and is now clear.

The problem is now my mother in law is trying to get the property in her name and is having a difficult time doing so. She is dealing with a realtor who wants to know a ton of info and seems to be milking her. Has anyone ever dealt with a similar experience or maybe can point me in the right direction? I figure once I get a hold of the right person it should be easy to get the property transferred to her. Any help would be appreciated.

[7yearapple]

This is confusing!

Was there a Will? However, in the absence of a Will, the Judge who oversaw the Probate of the Estate surely decided to whom this property should be Deeded.

I think you must offer more detailed information before such a complex issue can be adequately discussed.

[RockPoint]

Unfortunatley there was no will.

Thats what I thought about the probate as well. This is the first I heard about the property not being in my mother in laws name since the property came out of probate. I guess the result of the probate will be a good place to start.

[HALF-A-HAMIAN]

You'll find Bahamian/British laws to be much different than you may be used to. A realtor can do nothing more than offer advice and take your money. You'll still need the lawyer to finalise things anyway, so don't bleed twice on this deal, retain a Bahamian attourny.

As much as this pains me, because I think that five lawyers at the bottom of a blue hole is.... a start! :rolleyes: This is probably your best course.

[TJLong]

As mentioned, the laws in the Bahamas are vastly different than what we are used to here in the Sates. Having been in similar situation, you absolutely need a Bahamian attorney, so why not get one now?.... we speak from experience. A reputable attorney will save you time, lessen the stress, and will be worth it - and most likely required - in the long run. Best of luck.

[7yearapple]

Please, please, please choose your Bahamian Lawyer VERY carefully.

The older more established firms are by far the best. Graham Thompson and Co, McKinnney Bancroft & Hughes, both out of Nassau would be good places to start. From the local Abaco standpoint, Fred Gottlieb of Marsh Harbour is my choice.

I trust that others on this Board will agree.

[islandgator]

I agree that there are a lot of qualified attorneys in the Bahamas, but there a number in Marsh Harbor also. I recommend Rhonda Hull. She handled our purchase of land on Elbow.

WE tried to buy a condo in Treasure from a wonderful Canadian lady who was very wealthy. The attorneys tied us up for 13 months trying to get into all of her trusts. In the end she gave up as at some point all of her holdings would have become public. Thats part of the difference in the laws of the US and the Bahamas. The Bahamian attorneys are issuing title where we have title insurance companies. Big difference in risk.

[TJLong]

We too used Gottlieb, based on verbal recommendation, for what turned out to be a very difficult family property settlement. He is apparently well respected by his peers, and earned ours as well. Might mention one other note...... be patient, like anything in the Bahamas, these things take time....and a lot of it....

[George]

I have employed both Fred Gottlieb and Rhonda Hull. I found the latter to be far more attentive in resolving our issues in a timely manner.

[TomandPat]

HIGHLY Recommend Rhonda Hull & Abaco Estate Services. We are both clients & friends of both

[Tolerance]

You are getting good advice here--Mr. Gottlieb is the most respected attny in MH----and the most ethical----don't waste your time elsewhere, or you will be sorry. Some lawyers will tell you that this is a simple matter---it's not!
I am a widow too...and what you are discussing is not a simple matter..