Alton Woman Battles Son Over $80K Home Deed Dispute

Alton Woman Battles Son Over $80K Home Deed Dispute

Mother Claims She Was Misled in Property Transfer; Legal Experts Urge Caution in Family Transactions

In Alton, Texas, a mother’s battle for justice has taken a painful turn as she accuses one of her children of betraying her trust in a dispute over the deed to her home.

Criselda Garcia Zambrano, who has lived in her home for years, agreed to sell the property to one of her nine children, expecting an $80,000 payment and lifelong care. But that promise, she says, was never fulfilled.

“The conversation we had with him was one thing, but when he took us to a lawyer, he started talking about the nine kids and how we were going to leave him the house and that he would take care of us. But the $80,000 was never mentioned,” Zambrano told Fox News.

Legal Document Says House Was Sold for $1

The deed now shows the property was sold for just $1, and although Zambrano is legally allowed to live in the home until her death, she has not received any of the promised payment.

“It’s been over a year, and he doesn’t know or care about me,” she said tearfully.

A Family Rift and Legal Battle

Zambrano says the situation has left her feeling abandoned and betrayed by a son she once trusted.

“He was a good person, but after this, he completely changed. I don’t know why, because as a mother, I feel like I never failed him.”

She is now seeking to regain control of the deed, but legal experts warn that the paperwork—signed and filed—may be difficult to undo.

“He shouldn’t be hiding. He should answer or sign the papers and return what isn’t his. It belongs to my mother and my father. May he rest in peace,” her son, Alejo Garcia Zambrano, added.

Experts Warn: Use Caution in Family Real Estate Deals

Legal professionals say the situation may involve undue influence, particularly given that the transaction was conducted in English, which may have posed a language barrier for Zambrano.

“In this kind of situation, I would advise a person who feels that they’ve been wronged or scammed or defrauded to speak to a lawyer,” said one attorney. “There are two routes—you can go in the civil courts and argue that there was some misunderstanding or language issue.”

They recommend the following precautions for similar cases:

• Always secure written agreements in the preferred language of the parties involved
• Have independent legal representation
• Bring witnesses to important transactions
• Never assume verbal agreements will hold up in court

Community Support and Legal Help

📞 Those in similar situations are encouraged to contact local legal aid services or the Texas RioGrande Legal Aid office at https://www.trla.org for guidance.

As Zambrano seeks justice, her story serves as a reminder of the risks that come with informal family agreements—especially when it comes to something as permanent as a home.