Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

joint title on deed

I married a man about 3 years ago and I sold my house and I moved into his house. I was added to his title of his house as Mr & Mrs. joint tenants. Well the honeymoon is over ... lol.. The equity I received from my home I put into our home to fix it up in the amount of over 20K... Now my husband tells me because he bought the house years ago that I have no rights to it. All I want is my $$$$ I put into it and I would be happy to divorce hin and leave. Some people say I have rights to half of the house some people say he is right and to just walk away with nothing and to sigh the quite deed. Please help me. I'am 50 years old and to old to start over ago .. I just want my $$$ so I can buy a small condo and start my life over. Thank you

ps. I'm using my friends email address not my at home.


Asked on 3/08/08, 12:44 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys
Larry Rothman Larry Rothman & Associates

Re: joint title on deed

Once you are added to the title you have rights to his house. You also have rights due to your investment. Our firm does not handle divorces and your divorce lawyer may be able to include this problem in your divorce. We can help you file a civil action for partition and sale of the unit. Please contact us if you have any other questions.

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Answered on 3/08/08, 1:42 pm
Bryan Whipple Bryan R. R. Whipple, Attorney at Law

Re: joint title on deed

For some reason, LawGuru is sending the same questions multiple times, so sometimes we give repetitive answers. I don't know why this is happening, but it also gives us a chance to add afterthoughts.

My afterthought is that if this goes through divorce court, the judge will be bale to make appropriate orders to divide all your community property 50-50. The judge will also be able to make orders disposing of property you own as joint tenants, even if it is not community property, and you should get 50% of it as a minimum, and if your attorney is on the ball you should also get compensated in the overall settlement for the excess contribution you make by investing your separate funds in the jointly-owned property.

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Answered on 3/09/08, 6:29 pm
Mitchell Roth MW Roth, Professional Law Corporation

Re: joint title on deed

Answered this in first post.

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Answered on 3/08/08, 11:57 pm


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