Question about legal action

[prater01]

My husband and I started renting-to-own a manufactured home about a year ago from a friend's stepfather. Lets say his name is Joe and our friend's name is Jackie. Jackie had owned the home but Joe, her step-father, had paid it off. We made a verbal agreement to pay Joe each month until the the home was paid for in full. Well, about 4 months ago, Jackie came to us and said that she wanted to screw Joe and that we should start making payments to her and her husband. She explained that we couldn't get in any trouble for this because the title is in her name. We hesitated but she assured us we'd be fine and that if we didn't start making payments to them they would be forced to sell the home. Therefore, we made payments to them. Yesterday we found out that Jackie recently signed over the title to Joe. We received a letter in the mail from Joe stating that he is raising the payment, expects back-owed, and interest, and raised the total asking price. He states if we do not sign this agreement he will evict us. We have nothing in writing. I've been having panic attacks since this whole thing started because we have three children and no place to go. We also cannot afford what Joe is asking now. Does anyone know if legal action can be taken? If not, what should we do?

 

[seniorjudge]

We have nothing in writing.

Then you opened yourself up for all kinds of problems.

Start negotiating with whoever owns whatever.