Oakland, CA asked in Real Estate Law for California

Q: I’m on the deed and loan as a co-signer on a house with my mom , she refuses to take me off or refinance ? Help

She does not work , refuses to work , won’t qualify for the home on her own , won’t sell, she’s renting the rooms to pay the house rent , I don’t even live in the home , I don’t know what to do to get out of this situation we are beyond speaking terms. It’s been 7-8 years , we had agreed I would sign for the home because I qualify and my family was homeless, to sell in a few years and they went back on there word.

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: In California, being on both the deed and the loan of a house ties you legally and financially to the property. If your co-signer, in this case, your mother, refuses to refinance or sell the house, your options may seem limited, especially if she cannot qualify for a loan on her own due to lack of income. Your situation is further complicated by the fact that you are not living in the home and your relationship has deteriorated to the point where communication is no longer effective.

One potential solution is to seek legal advice on possibly filing a suit for partition. This legal action can force the sale of the property if the court finds it to be the most equitable solution. A partition action is often used in situations where co-owners of a property cannot agree on the disposition of the property. The court can order the property to be sold and the proceeds divided among the owners in accordance with their ownership interests.

Given the complexity of your situation and the potential need for legal intervention, it would be wise to consult with an attorney who has experience in real estate law. They can provide you with detailed advice based on the specifics of your case and guide you through the legal process. It's also important to consider all financial implications, including how a forced sale might affect your credit and financial standing. Taking action sooner rather than later can help you begin to resolve this difficult situation and move forward.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.