Property Rights Dispute Resolution

Summary

Lea Daulton has invested approximately $40,000 in renovating a property in Indiana that was verbally promised to her by her aunt. However, her name is not on the deed and she is concerned about the property being sold. She has receipts for the renovations and some text communication with her aunt, but no written agreement about the property transfer. She is considering filing a construction lien to prevent the property from being sold. She was advised to consult with a local attorney and possibly speak with the clerk at the Washington County Circuit Court for general information.

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In the death of my uncle, I was asked if I wanted the place because it was basically unlivable and none of family had money to fix it up except me. My aunt is whos name the property is now in came to me ask if I wanted the place. She stated that neither her or her children wanted the place. I accepted the place but told her my name had to be added to paperwork so I could do things I needed to do. This was in *, and now that I have invested thousands of dollars in the place my name is still not on it and she is talking of selling the place. What are my rights even if a lien on it is needed.
Did you and your aunt sign any written agreement regarding the transfer of the property to your name?
No it was all verbal between my mom and I and her sisters
What state is the property located in? Verbal agreements can be legally binding, but it varies by state and the type of agreement.
Indiana
What proof do you have of the money you've invested in the property?

In Indiana, verbal agreements can be legally binding but are often hard to prove. You may need to consult with a local attorney.
I have all reciepts for the thousands i have invested
In Indiana, you may have a claim for unjust enrichment. However, proving a verbal agreement can be challenging. Consult a local attorney for advice.
Is it possible to put a construction lien on the place to just keep her from selling it out from under me.
Do you have a written contract with your aunt for the construction work you've done on the property? In Indiana, a mechanic's lien can be filed if there's a contract.
No i do not but have proof of it and even pictures of the place in the horrid condition it was in
What type of proof do you have? In Indiana, a mechanic's lien can be filed if there's a contract. However, without a contract, it might be challenging.
I have pictures of it and reciepts . It hadnt had water for a year i have redone entire plumbing system including water heater. Electrical upgrade, new roof but most importantly i had to have masonery work done to wall in basement that had large section out of it that required weeks of work besides the wall. At this point i could have built a new home cheaper but this was my grandparents home and i wanted to save it
What is the total amount you have spent on the renovations?
Somewhere near approximately $*,*
Do you have any written communication (like emails or text messages) with your aunt discussing the property transfer or the renovations you've done?
I have a txt asking me how its going from the aunt whos name is actually on deed. Other communication with my mother who gave me her part in property and other talks with aunts and uncle
Do you have any written agreement or communication that explicitly states that the property was to be transferred to you?
No my mother never did have my aunt sign papers but i can have my mother given written info on transfer of her part
What is the exact location of the property? This will help me provide you with the contact details of the nearest court.
Washington county indiana
What is the exact address of the property? This will help me provide you with the contact details of the nearest court.
* W Wheeler Hollow Rd Vallonia, IN *
The nearest court to you is the Washington County Circuit Court. Their contact details are:

Address: * Public Square, Salem, IN *
Phone: (*) *-*
Do i need to speak with the clerk there about this matter
Yes, you can speak with the clerk for general information, but for legal advice, it's best to consult with a local attorney.
Ok thank you
You're welcome, ****. If you have any more questions in the future, feel free to ask. Good luck with your case.