My Dad Is Threatening to Use His Knowledge of Real Estate to Hurt Us. I Have to Protect My Son.

Real estate title transfers generally require signatures, paperwork, and notarized documentation. A parent may be able to gift property, but cannot secretly force a minor child to accept mortgage debt or other liabilities, and the child’s involvement would likely require the other parent or legal participation. A person can also disclaim an inheritance. If a parent uses a Social Security number to create legal obligations, that constitutes identity theft and is criminal. To reduce risk, a security freeze can be placed with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, or a fraud alert can be used. An IRS identity protection PIN can help prevent access to tax records, and additional steps can be requested from relevant agencies.

"Generally speaking, transferring real estate titles usually requires signatures and paperwork and notarized documentation-it's a whole process. If he decides to pass the property onto your child as a gift, that's a different story. But even then, he can't secretly force your child to take on mortgage debt or other liabilities, and you would likely need to be involved since your child is presumably a minor."

"For what it's worth, you can also disclaim an inheritance. And if he tries to use your Social Security number to put any legal obligations in your name? Well, that's identity theft, and it's a crime."

"If you're seriously worried about your dad stealing your identity, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself. Consider putting a security freeze on your credit with each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Or, place a fraud alert with them."

"Get an identity protection PIN with the IRS if you're worried about your dad accessing your tax records. You can even request a sec"

Read at Slate Magazine