CONSULT ATTORNEY ABOUT HOW TO HOLD JOINT TITLE

DEAR BOB: What is the easiest way for me to add my husband to the title to my house? --Mary Ann W.

DEAR MARY ANN: The easiest way to convey a full or partial real estate interest is with a recorded quitclaim deed.

However, please don't rush out to do so. First think about how you and your spouse want to hold title. Then discuss the alternatives with a local real estate attorney.

Depending on the state where the house is located, you should consider joint tenancy with right of survivorship, tenancy by the entireties, community property, and especially in second marriages, tenants in common. The legal consequences of each title method are vastly different.

(For more information on Bob Bruss publications, visit his
Real Estate Center).

Copyright 2006 Inman News