Asked in Divorce and Real Estate Law for North Carolina

Q: What can I do about a quit claim deed that my ex spouse has not used?

My wife and I divorced 2 years ago. We both signed a quit claim deed in front a notary, "giving her the house" which was never filed in court or anything, she still has possession of it. She has still not sold the house, or taken my name off of the loan. I am still paying the mortgage. We made another "deal" that we had until June, before she would decide if she wanted to stay at the house and keep it, and take me off of the mortgage, or she would move and I would take the house back. I am still paying the mortgage on the house, she is not. She is living in the house, I am not, although I still have all my belongings and vehicle there because I work overseas. She has decided recently that she wants to sell the house. Can she sell the house without my "permission" because she has that quit claim deed? Even though I am still on the mortgage and I am paying for the house? Does the fact that she never filed the deed with the courts mean anything? Does the quit claim deed remove my rights?

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Amanda Bowden Johnson
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Answered

A: I assume you did not have an attorney, as no attorney worth their salt would have allowed you to sign a quit claim deed while still on the mortgage. Hopefully there is something in the divorce judgment that addresses this issue or you are for lack of a better word very likely screwed. Essentially, it appears you are in the worst position possible of being responsible for paying for property you no longer own. You need to consult with an experienced property law attorney ASAP before things get any worse.

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