Siblings in dispute over property taxes

A woman claims her sister failed to pay her half of the property taxes on a piece of Jefferson County real estate the siblings jointly owned.

As a result, the property has settled into disrepair, according to recently filed court documents.

Susan Manuel filed a lawsuit Dec. 30 in Jefferson County District Court against Gwendolyn Lejunie.

In her complaint, Manuel alleges she and Lejunie owned the property at 2010 Seventh St. in Port Neches. They inherited the land from their mother, Bonita Manuel, on Aug. 1, 2005, according to the complaint.

Despite her 50 percent share of the property, however, Lejunie has refused to pay property taxes on it, the suit states. She has also failed to keep the property in a "liveable and marketable" condition, the complaint says.

Manuel wants the court to order sale of the property. She wants to receive 60 percent of the proceeds as compensation for the loss of market value of the property.

She also seeks a judgment within the jurisdictional limits of Jefferson County District Court, plus pre-judgment interest, costs, attorney's fees and other relief the court deems just.

Dane Dennison of Port Arthur will be representing her.

Judge Milton Shuffield, 136th District Court, has been assigned to the case.

Case No. D191-589