Family feuds over property

      DEAR BOB: My mother and I were joint tenants on a property for eight years. She then gave me a deed to the property for her interest. I recorded it in February 1993. In December 1993, a deed showed up recorded giving the same title to my sister, dated earlier, but recorded later. My mother says my sister pressured her into signing papers but they were not to be recorded. Later, my mother transferred the title to me.
      My sister recorded her deed as a wedge for other interests, but now she refuses to sign a quit claim deed. Due to my mother's age, my attorney says we'll have to go to litigation. What should we do? -- Howard G.
      DEAR HOWARD: What a title mess. A quiet title lawsuit brought by you against your sister and mother can determine who owns what. Unless your sister will sign a quit claim deed to avoid litigation, I see no other alternative. Your attorney is correct.-- Send your questions to Robert J. Bruss, Tribune Media Services, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1400, Chicago, Ill. 60611.