Asked in Estate Planning for North Carolina

Q: Late husband and I,both names on deed but I used money from my personal acct for reno. Can I deduct cost from estate?

My husband just passed away and both our name are on the deed. We dont have children together but we both have from previous mariage.

I use money from my personal account( have proof) to finance the down payment and the renovation 2 years ago, because he wasnt work.

Because of the reno, the house value went up. Can I claim back all the money I put in, before the shares ( between me and his children) are calculated by the attorney?

Is the calcuation done on his 50% share only? ( meaning 50% my share + 1/2 of 50% his share for me . And other1/2 of his share goes to his sons?)

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1 Lawyer Answer
Ben Corcoran
PREMIUM
Ben Corcoran
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Yadkinville, NC
  • Licensed in North Carolina

A: If you and your husband were both listed on the deed as husband and wife, then you own the entirety of the house; there is no need to calculate shares. If the two of you were not listed as husband and wife, then I would advise you to file a year's allowance in the estate and use it to increase your ownership of the house.

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