If my husband bought a house and I’m not on the deed, what happens if he dies?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

If my husband bought a house and I’m not on the deed, what happens if he dies?

Is it possible for me to get the house by paying the mortgage. Also, how can I be put on the deed? Do I need an income?

Asked on December 25, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Virginia

Answers:

Michael Duffy / Duffy Law, LLC

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

The house would be part of the deceased husband's estate. First the estate must pay off any debts, so that might mean the house would have to be sold to do so. If he had a will that included the house, the will would control. If he did not have a will, the state's instestacy laws would control (which generally give the surviving spouse at least a 50% share of the estate). If the wife obtained the house through either of these methods, she could attempt to talk to the mortgage company to assume the debt, but it would be subject to their agreement.

Assuming the husband is still alive, you don't need an income to be put on the deed, if the deed is legally in your possession (that depends on the mortgage laws and practices in your state). Otherwise you'd need the lender's persission. You can pay the mortgage, but to actually be on the mortgage would require agreement by the lender and almost certainly regular income - it would be nearly the same as you applying for the loan separately.

You should really talk to a good estate lawyer in your area to be properly prepared to handle these eventualities and get advice specific to your situation.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption