Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania

Two names on mortgage getting one name off.

I and my exboyfriend bought a home 14 yrs ago. He lived for 2 years. He abdondend the property, moved to another state, and then was in jail for 5 yrs. Can his name be removed from the preoperty if he his willing to sign off, and if he is willing to sign off do I have to reapply for a mortgage? My concern is my credit is less than perfect and what would happen if i were denied? Or say he was not willing to sign off is there such a thing as abandonment that would not entitle the person to anything involved in that propery?


Asked on 6/22/09, 12:26 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

Re: Two names on mortgage getting one name off.

When 2 people buy a property and get a mortgage on the property too, one name cannot be removed without the written consent of the mortgage holder. If a deed were to remove the name of one of the owners, the owners would be in default of the mortgage, and the mortgage holder could foreclose on the property.

If the ex-boyfriend agrees to sign a deed without being paid for his share, you would still need the written consent of the mortgage holder. If the ex-boyfriend does not agree to sign a deed without being paid, you would have to apply for a new mortgage in order to pay off the old mortgage and pay the ex-boyfriend for his share in the property.

There is no abandonment that would prevent the co-owner from claiming his interest in the property. However, you may sue [action in partition] to have court order a sale of the property with the proceeds of sale to be divided between you. The costs of going to court and the costs of the sale may use up all of the equity in the property so that there will be nothing left to divide.

This response is not legal advice, since I do not have all of the information that would be required, and I do not have a representation agreement with you.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.

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Answered on 6/22/09, 3:36 pm


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