Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

home proceeds

is my new husband (married 7 months) entitled to half of the proceeds of my house if I were to sell it? I am the sole owner of the house, his name is not on the deed or the loan.


Asked on 3/16/09, 1:49 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Christopher Steuart IT Forensics, Inc.

Re: home proceeds

If it is clearly separate property and you make sure it stays that way, no. The proceeds of the sale would be separate property, but be careful not to commingle the proceeds with community assets. I can't tell you here all the things you should or should not do, but I can give you general advice: Don't allow community assets to be used to maintain, repair or enhance the property, don't allow him to do work on the property. Do keep any proceeds from the sale of the house in a separate account and don't put any community money into that account. There is no bright line as to when the property would go from separate to community, but the more vigorous you are in protecting its status the more effective your defense of it as separate property will be.

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Answered on 3/17/09, 4:12 pm


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