'Just Walk Away,' Ramsey Urges Woman With $150K Income And $500K Net Worth After Father Files $20K Lien

Casey B. RennerFri, February 27, 2026 at 7:01 PM UTC

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A father's lien turned a modest rental into a family standoff.

Calling from Tucson, Arizona, Tiffany told "The Ramsey Show" that a home she and her husband bought with her parents in 2014 is now tied up in a dispute.

The property was remodeled in 2015, with Tiffany and her husband covering all renovation expenses while her father handled the labor. The following year, after her parents divorced, he asked for $5,000 in cash to step away from the arrangement. Tiffany declined. He then filed a $20,000 lien against the property.

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The house is worth about $63,000, with roughly $17,000 remaining on the mortgage. Tiffany said they have tried three times to pay him, offering $5,000 and $10,000, but he refused because he would have to split the money with her mother. The lien has prevented them from selling the home.

"Confessions of someone who should not have bought real estate in a partnership," host Dave Ramsey said.

Justice In Court — Or Something Simpler

Tiffany said her household income is about $150,000 and her net worth is around $500,000. Ramsey outlined two possible paths.

First, she could hire an attorney and sue for dissolution of the partnership. A judge could order the property sold and address the $20,000 lien. The legal route, he said, could cost $10,000 to $15,000 and would likely end her relationship with her father.

"That would be justice," Ramsey said.

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Meanwhile, co-host Kristina Ellis asked, "What's happening with the house right now? Are you guys renting it? Is it sitting vacant?"

Tiffany said the home is rented and generates about $1,000 per month. After legal fees and a forced sale, Ramsey said she might net roughly $10,000 to $20,000.

Cut The Ties Or Take Him To Court?

Before learning who held title to the property, Ramsey offered another option.

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"Just walk away. Just toss the keys over your shoulder," he said.

Ramsey said given her income and net worth, he would pay off the remaining mortgage, sign a quit claim deed to her parents and let them sort it out.

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However, Tiffany clarified that only she and her husband are listed on the deed and mortgage because her parents were in Chapter 13 bankruptcy at the time of purchase. She added that an Illinois law that took effect in 2023 permits certain expired liens, including one that lapsed in 2018, to be removed without involving the person who filed them.

"Just sue him and get the lien removed that simple," Ramsey said.

Tiffany has a six-figure income and a net worth approaching half a million dollars, so her decision to remove the lien, sell the property or walk away could affect her broader financial picture.

Finance Advisors is a free platform that connects individuals with vetted fiduciary advisors who focus on tax-aware planning rather than selling products. Weighing how a sale, legal costs or continued rental income might affect after-tax outcomes could help clarify the most practical path forward.

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