Brooklyn, NY asked in Real Estate Law for California

Q: A Deed on home in CA titled as joint tenants and one person on the title stated "a single woman" when she is married

Using fictitious names, the home was titled as "Karen Chan, a single woman and Joe Chan, a married man, as joint tenants" But it is known that that Karen Chan is married and was married at the execution of the Grand Deed to a man named Sean Chan. Sean is also the son of Joe Doe who is also on the title. We suspect the home was purchased in this way because Sean Chan had embezzled a large sum of money while living and working in China (he is a US citizen) and when he returned to the US he wished to buy a home for $1.5M all in cash but could not explain where the money came from. Therefore we suspect he arranged to purchase the home through is wife and father as joint tenants. First is it illegal to title a home as "single" when you are married and second why would Sean do this instead of just stating she is married? I should also mention that 2 years later Karen and Joe quit claim deeded the home so it is now solely in Sean's name. Any guesses or possible reasons? Thanks!

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1 Lawyer Answer
Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
Answered
  • Newport Beach, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: Q1- Is it illegal to list as single when you are married? Maybe, if it is to defraud creditors or anyone. Q2- Guess why they did this and why they quit claimed the property to Sean? I am sorry, my brain just exploded with the possibilities. I am sure that you could ask them and they might or might not have an explanation. Speculation is discouraged in legal matters.

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