Real estate and family relationships often mix in complicated ways—especially after someone passes away in Arizona. A recent Arizona Court of Appeals decision, Colon v. Vigil (Sept. 16, 2025), illustrates how informal agreements and unfulfilled conditions can lead to costly disputes and lengthy court battles.

The Case in Brief

Tracy Loretto bought a home in Tolleson in 2003. Six years later, her then-estranged husband, Jose Colon, moved in under a written “House Agreement.” The agreement said Colon would assume the mortgage and take full responsibility for all payments and expenses. In return, Loretto would transfer the property to him…

Continue Reading When Promises About Arizona Real Estate Go Wrong: Lessons from Colon v. Vigil