Buying out siblings share of 20-acre farm

[abbey]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Texas

i have 2 siblings. our dad is deceased and mother is living in a nursing home and on medicaid. dad's will left mom the house and 10 acres (which she deeded to us 3 kids per lady bird deed/reserving life estate). i am living in the house and wish to buy out my sisters' share of the other 10 acres now. if they are willing to do so, can this be done easily enough? we don't know which acres belong to who. can a land surveyor divide the land or who do i call, what do i do? thanks...

 

[curb1]

How is the land described on your tax statements? Is it separated? Check with your County Surveyor office. Has the property ever been properly divided?

 

[abbey]

no the property has never been divided. we just own it all together.

 

[curb1]

Yes, it can be done easily. Do they want to sell? That might be the most difficult part, along with arriving at a price for their share. Civil communication will be the best approach. Is everyone on good terms?

 

[abbey]

Buying out siblings' share of 20-acre farm

thanks for your replies and advice. i anticipate one sister would be glad to sell to me but the other not so eager. we are all on good terms and sure want to keep it that way! i'm trying to think of incentives for my sister to sell...preserving what's left of family farm, avoiding potential tax increases, tax breaks for her somehow, whatever. the property has an ag exemption, is by now surrounded by residential and commercial development, and could get annexed by the city soon.

 

[curb1]

You said, "i'm trying to think of incentives for my sister to sell." MONEY !!

How far along is the discussion? I know if it was my sister I would say, "Hey sis, I want to buy the 10 acres. What do you think?"

 

[abbey]

Buying out siblings' share of 20-acre farm

i've asked both sisters via email if they'd sell me their acreage. one says she's ready to do so but the other is not so ready. may i buy one sister's acreage without buying the other's?

 

[curb1]

You asked, "may i buy one sister's acreage without buying the other's?". It shouldn't be difficult, but it would need to be in cooperation with the remaining sister. There will need to be an identification of exactly what your 2/3 share entails. Without a doubt, this would be a cleaner situation with a sole owner. This is more of a communication problem, than a legal problem.