Dunbar, WV asked in Estate Planning, Family Law and Probate for West Virginia

Q: At what point in a second marriage do both spouses have joint home ownership?

Wife owned her home with mortgage paid in full upon our marriage 11 years ago. Since then we have jointly paid the property taxes, home upkeep, maintenance, and each contributed over $40,000 in home upgrades. Is the husband entitled to joint ownership? If so, can he be legally placed on the deed?

1 Lawyer Answer
Anthony M. Avery
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Answered

A: As a married individual, you do not own real property until you are a grantee on a deed, or either the heir or will devisee of a deceased spouse.

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