Follow
Share

She blocked my phone number and refuses to communicate with me. I was Dad'slive - in caregiver at the end.

Sam711: Retain an attorney.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to Llamalover47
Report

With any legal matters, hire an attorney.
One that specializes in elder care, elder trusts, etc.
Try to get a local referral.
Helpful Answer (4)
Reply to TouchMatters
Report

I have never heard of a document called a "beneficiary deed". I have heard of a will in which there is a designated beneficiary of a property, and I have heard of a deed. But "Beneficiary Deed" makes no sense to me.
So..............
Attorney. Attorney. Attorney.
Expert advice is needed.
Helpful Answer (6)
Reply to AlvaDeer
Report

Hopefully you contacted an attorney by this time.
Helpful Answer (4)
Reply to Patathome01
Report

Her blocking your phone # and refusing to communicate is a red flag in itself.
Helpful Answer (5)
Reply to Jada824
Report

Contact a lawyer who does estate litigation…..not just any attorney will do in this situation
Helpful Answer (5)
Reply to Jada824
Report

Sam,

How to Confirm a Beneficiary (Transfer-on-Death) Deed Is Legitimate
If someone has submitted a beneficiary deed (also called a Transfer-on-Death or TOD deed) to claim land after a parent’s death, there are several concrete steps you can take to verify that the document is valid and not fraudulent. Because the rules vary by state, it’s especially important to confirm both recording details and state-specific requirements.
1. Obtain the Official Recorded Copy
Contact the County Recorder or Register of Deeds in the county where the land is located and request the official recorded copy of the deed. Do not rely solely on a copy provided by the person claiming the property.

Confirm:
• The document number and recording date
• The full legal name of the property owner
• The full legal description of the property (not just the street address)

If the deed was never recorded, it generally has no legal effect.
2. Confirm It Meets State Law Requirements
Each state has specific rules for beneficiary/TOD deeds. Common requirements include:

• Use of the state’s approved statutory form (where required)
• Signature of the property owner
• Proper notarization
• Recording before the owner’s death
• Recording within a required time frame after signing (some states)

If any required element is missing, the deed may be invalid.
3. Verify the Signature
Compare the signature on the deed to known examples of the father’s signature, such as prior deeds, a will, identification documents, or other legal papers. If the signature appears inconsistent or forged, a handwriting expert can formally evaluate it.
4. Check the Notary Acknowledgment
A valid beneficiary deed must be notarized. Verify:

• The notary’s name and commission number
• That the notary was active on the date of signing
• That the notarization language complies with state law

This can usually be confirmed through the state’s Secretary of State or notary oversight office.
5. Search for Later Deeds or Revocations
A later action by the property owner can cancel a beneficiary deed. Check the county records for:

• A newer deed transferring the property
• A recorded revocation of the beneficiary deed
• Evidence the property was sold or retitled

Any of these may invalidate the beneficiary deed.
6. Consider Capacity or Undue Influence
Even a properly recorded deed can be challenged if the owner lacked mental capacity at the time of signing or was subjected to undue influence. Warning signs include sudden changes in estate planning, isolation of the owner, or pressure from the beneficiary. Medical records and witness testimony are often key in these cases.
7. Consult an Attorney
If the property is valuable or other heirs are affected, a probate or real estate attorney can review the deed, confirm whether it complies with state law, and advise whether it can be challenged.
Bottom line: The most reliable way to confirm legitimacy is through county records, notary verification, and compliance with state-specific rules. Beneficiary deeds are strictly regulated, and even small errors can render them invalid.
Helpful Answer (8)
Reply to HaveYourBack
Report

From what I read, this deed is filed before Dad died. Its done to bypass probate.

"The deed is only valid if recorded in the county where the property is located before the owner's death."

So it seems Sister cannot submit a beneficiary deed unless Dad previously filed one. You need to check with tge County Court where he lives to see if a deed was filed prior to Dads death. Was there a Will, if not the State will determine who inherits. If no executor, you need to go to probate and file as Administrator.
Helpful Answer (6)
Reply to JoAnn29
Report

This is an easy answer.
You need an attorney.
Helpful Answer (6)
Reply to AlvaDeer
Report

Have you seen the deed? It would be publicly available at the local courthouse. It would have to have been filed there BEFORE he died to be valid. Do you mean that she is just now submitting it, after his death? If so, it is not valid. If it was filed at the courthouse before your father's death. you can look at it there. It might be posted online. It would need to be notarized, with your father's signature. The notary would have a record of when he or she notarized it.

So look it up online or at the courthouse or wherever deeds are filed. If it does not appear to be valid, contact a real estate attorney.
Helpful Answer (8)
Reply to MG8522
Report

You need legal advice and you’ve found a forum of current and former caregivers. I wish you well in finding a good estate attorney in your area
Helpful Answer (5)
Reply to Daughterof1930
Report

Contact a lawyer.
Helpful Answer (6)
Reply to Rosered6
Report

Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter