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I took care of her because the kids refused to. She was a mean lady, but we got a long ok. I cooked, cleaned and bathed her. Her son was living there and would not lift a finger to help with anything... except to take her to the casino. We were talking one day and she brought up what she wanted to do if she died. She didn't want her kids to get anything except the little bit of money that was in her bank. She wanted me to keep the house and made sure it would be taken care of because her kids didn't help when she needed it. We did a quit claim deed, but it never got recorded or notorized. She passed away and I found the deed when we were cleaning the house. I still lived there with her son (along with 4 other people that trashed the house badly). I got tired of cleaning up after grown adults and paying bills on my own. Then the city came in and kicked everyone out. What can I do to keep the house?

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Did she sign the deed? Notary signature may not be required. The laws vary by state. I’d get an immediate legal consult with an attorney to get the details and advice. Often the deed may be valid, unless someone paid money for the property and since the deed wasn’t recorded, they suffered damages. But, no way to determine without a good examination of the situation. Even if there are taxes due or liens, you might still have some ownership rights. Don’t delay though. And, put the deed in a fireproof safe until you can get it to an attorney.
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If they were kicked out, there is probably a tax lien on the house. You will lose a house faster for unpaid taxes then for nonpayment of a Mortgage. I would say the house is going up for Sheriffs sale and the only way it may be saved is someone pay the back taxes plus a %. In my township 18% is the %.

Even with a quit claim deed, you would lose the house if taxes were in default. Sorry, without it being notarized and files with the County Clerk, you don't have a leg to stand on.
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If she didn't legally finalize the deed nor mention it in a legitimate Will, then anything left in her estate (and probate) goes first to the government (eg: Medicaid recovery or back taxes, etc), then the funeral home/crematory, then lawyers. If there's anything left then other creditors who put in a claim during probate may be able to get paid - IF any assets were left. But without properly finalizing the deed... probably 0 chance of you getting the house. You will need a lawyer and no matter if you win or lose you will need to pay for their representation. If she left no Will, then inheritance usually goes to closest relatives first: spouse, adult children, parents, siblings. Friend or neighbor who took care of her: nope. Also, if the son was living in the house, not sure how "the city" can kick him out? Maybe there was still a mortgage (or a reverse mortgage) or back taxes owed and the house went into foreclosure? I'm so sorry that you helped her and got nothing for it. Yours is, unfortunately, a pretty common story. Even when not demented many elders do not understand that all wishes need to be legally created. Verbal agreements almost never hold up in court.
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Check with an attorney .
My non legal guess is that the document is not legal without the proper signing and notarization .
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Because this wasn't correctly and legally done the children of this woman will make a good case in court that her giving the home to a caregiver was abuse on the part of the caregiver, and isn't valid.

Without correct documentation, attorney papers, notarization, recording, this is about as useful as a note written on a bar napkin, I think.

Your note to us is a bit confusing. I worry about you being able to fully represent yourself in any case brought before the law, so I think that you need an attorney now. Take all documentation, notes, diaries, letters, witnessed conversations, history with you and ask what your options are to proceed.
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