Paid for Sister-in-laws Ca. divorce 2 yrs ago. And many mortgage payments to help the family in the last 5 yrs. Lending over 20K. Just found out that she re-financed the home with her ex-husband! They took out 25K to fix and repair damage to the home done by their adult children. Now once repairs are complete she plans on moving back-in with children before putting house on the market to sell. I can't image how the house will sell when the 22yr old and the 24 yr old sleep all day, and can't clean up after themselves and have never paid any rent. I have cancelled checks for all payments.

So what you are saying, essentially, is that you made unsecured loans to her over the past 5 years, she plans on selling her house, and you want a lien on the house so that you will be paid back out of the proceeds.

I believe you will have to either get them to voluntarily give you a lien (2nd mortgage) or sue them and record the judgment.