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House Deeds

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Chemo | 22:51 Wed 03rd Oct 2007 | Law
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Our house is currently in my husband's name only. We've been married two years. The mortgage is up for renewal in May.
Does it cost to get my name added to the deeds?
And if I didn't, would it affect my claim to the house if my husband died?
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If your husband dies, unless his estate is very large, the house (and everything else he owns) automatically passes to you.

The actual physical deeds aren't that important any more. It's the details held by the Land Registry which really matter. (That assumes that the property is registered. Most are, but some properties aren't). You probably don't need to to amend the records because, as stated above, the house would pass to you anyway if your husband died.

However, it's worth remembering that many marriages don't last. It might be wisest to take action now, in case you divorce at some time in the future. You don't need to change the physical deeds or the principal elements of Land Registry entry. You simply need to advise the Land Registry of your interest in the property, under the provisions of the Family Law Act 1996. It's a simple, free process:
http://www.landregistry.gov.uk/assets/library/ documents/public_guide_004.pdf

Chris
The mortgage company will have to agree.
If your name isn't on the deeds your husband could remortgage withoiut your knowledge. I know, it happened to me many years ago and not with the present mr thugulike. Always a good idea to have the paperwork right.
You can sort this when you remortgage. All you have to do is add your name to the application and your solicitor will amend the title of your property ( add you to the mortgage) there will be a charge for it.

If he died then it would depend on what it said in his will, the mortgage company will need paying and then the house will belong to who he left it to.

If your relationship is solid then go on the deeds, if not then at the moment your not liable for any of the debt. You go on the mortgage, you are.
You cannot be added to a mortgage without being a part owner of the property.

It is also doubtful if he will be able to remorgage with you having a right to live in the property. See a solicitor

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