Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

That's a loaded question. Normally, the lender will want all parties who have legal title to the property, or who are acquiring legal title to the property, to sign the deed of trust. A deed of trust will encumber subsequently acquired property. (Peregro v. Seltzer (1st Dist. 196) 260 Cal.App.2d 825.)

Although property may be acquired with separate property, and titled as such, the community may acquire a pro tanto interest in the property to the extent that community property funds (such as a spouse's earnings) are used to reduce the principal purchase price which is secured by the deed of trust. Thus, it may be a good idea to have the other spouse also sign the deed of trust, to make sure the property is fully encumbered, now, and in the future.

Yes, because of the presumption of community property most lenders and title companies require it.