Q: My husband/son owned a house jointly (no mort.), and our son passed away.
Is husband considered the sole owner of the house now? And since we are selling the house on a land contract to one of our son's best friends, would it be allowed to have the young man's name put on the deed as a co-owner (until he pays it off---then it will be solely the young man's)?
A:
I have a feeling you added to this question after the answer. This is NOT simple. If someone is buying the house on a land contract you most certainly DO NOT want to list him as a joint owner by filing a deed. File the land contract of a memo of land contract sure, but a DEED gives him ownership before he finishes paying for it! Similarly, if your husband and son didn't own 'as joint owners with rights of survivorship' your surviving husband may NOT own the whole property now. Without seeing the deeds and discussing the situation what you should do now is unclear.
Seek LOCAL help from an experienced Real Estate attorney BEFORE you do anything! You are treading in dangerous waters!
Seek local counsel.
-- This answer is offered for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney/client relationship.
I am licensed to practice in Michigan only. Please seek competent local legal help if you feel you need legal advice
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