Inheriting a home with your siblings might sound simple at first — but once emotions, grief, and different opinions get involved, things can get complicated fast. What happens when one sibling is living in the house and refuses to sell? Or when everyone wants something different?
If you’re stuck in this situation in Michigan, you’re not alone — and you’re not without options.
When One Sibling Won’t Sell the Inherited House
This is one of the most common issues we see when families inherit a property together. You might be:
- Paying property taxes or utilities while your sibling lives there rent-free
- Feeling trapped because no one can agree
- Wondering if it’s even legal to sell your share
It’s frustrating. And unfair. But most of all, it’s stressful — especially when you’re still dealing with the loss of a loved one. The good news? There are respectful, legal ways to move forward.
Why These Situations Get So Complicated
When a parent passes and leaves a home to multiple children, it’s easy to assume everyone will work together. But grief affects people differently. One sibling might move in and refuse to leave. Another might be emotionally attached and unwilling to sell. Often, no one agrees on what’s fair.
The biggest issues usually come down to:
- Equal ownership but unequal control
- No written plan for what comes next
- Grief, guilt, or fear making it hard to move on
If you’re thinking, “I just want to sell my share of the inherited house and move forward,” that’s completely valid — and in most cases, entirely possible.
Can I Force My Sibling to Sell?
Yes — but it’s not always the best first step.
In Michigan, when siblings inherit a house together, they each own an equal share. That means decisions need to be unanimous… but it also means one person can take legal action when things are at a standstill.
The legal process is called a partition action. A judge can:
- Order the house to be sold and proceeds divided
- Or allow one sibling to buy out the others
But partition lawsuits are costly, slow, and often escalate tensions. That’s why many people explore better alternatives first.
What Are Your Options?
You don’t have to go straight to court to get unstuck. Here are some practical and legal paths you can take:
1. Try Talking Again
It might sound obvious, but sometimes a calm conversation — especially with a neutral third party — can turn things around. We’ve seen situations shift when family members feel heard and supported.
2. Sell Your Share
Yes, you can sell your share of an inherited house in Michigan, even if your sibling won’t sell the whole property. We help families do this all the time. There are legal ways to transfer your interest and move on — even if your sibling continues living there.
3. Offer a Buyout
If your sibling wants to keep the home, consider offering a buyout. We can help facilitate this and even assist with creative financing if they don’t have cash upfront.
4. File a Partition Lawsuit (Last Resort)
If no agreement is possible and you’re stuck, a partition action might be necessary. But we only recommend this when every other option has failed — because it’s expensive, emotional, and usually tears families apart.
5. Sell the Entire Property to a Cash Buyer
This is often the simplest option. At Dennis Buys Houses, we purchase inherited homes across Michigan — even when one sibling is still living inside or refusing to cooperate. We buy as-is, handle the details, and work with both parties to create a respectful solution.
How to Keep the Peace While Getting Closure
Let’s be honest: this probably isn’t just about the house.
Maybe your sibling is stuck in the past, or scared to let go. Maybe they’re overwhelmed, or avoiding reality. And maybe you feel guilty for even considering forcing a sale.
That’s normal. But you deserve closure, too.
At Dennis Buys Houses, we’ve helped many Michigan families in this exact situation. What we’ve learned is simple:
- Most people aren’t trying to be difficult — they’re just stuck
- A calm plan and compassionate guidance can change everything
- Knowing your rights can open the door to real progress
Why Work with Dennis Buys Houses?
We’re not just investors — we’re problem-solvers.
We’ve helped countless families sell inherited homes, avoid court, and settle estates without conflict. We offer:
- Cash offers for inherited homes — even with one sibling living inside
- Help navigating legal options and creative buyouts
- No fees, no repairs, no agents — just simple solutions that respect your situation
Whether you’re ready to sell your share, explore alternatives, or just need someone to listen, we’re here. You don’t need to fight. You don’t need to wait. You just need someone who’s done this before.
Final Thoughts: You Have Options — Even If Your Sibling Won’t Cooperate
If you’re feeling stuck, frustrated, or unsure of what to do next, we get it. You don’t have to go through this alone. Whether it’s a cash offer, a share sale, or just a plan — we’re here to help you take the next step without drama or delay.
Let’s start with a conversation.
You can reach out any time — no pressure, no obligation.
You can reach me directly at (734) 224-5977
Or on my website at https://dennisbuyshouses.com/selling-inherited-property-with-siblings-in-michigan/
