What are my rights if my name is not on the mortgage?

Asked by: Mr. Jovani Koss  |  Last update: August 1, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (74 votes)

If you are not on the mortgage for whatever reason, you are not liable for paying the mortgage loan. That said, you get your spouse's interest in the property if they die. However, if you default on mortgage payments, the mortgage lender has the power to foreclose on the home and evict you.

What are my rights if my name is not on a deed but married?

For a community property in California, it depends upon when and how their spouse acquired the property. The law asserts that all property purchased during the marriage, with income that was earned during the marriage, is community property.

Can I sell a house if my name is not on the mortgage?

When selling a house with your name on the deed but not the mortgage, it's crucial that you understand the mortgage loan and identify any terms that might impact the sale. While the mortgage might not be in your name, the mortgagor is still obligated to fulfill those terms.

What happens if my husband died and my name is not on the mortgage?

If your spouse passes away, but you didn't sign the promissory note or mortgage for the home, federal law clears the way for you to take over the existing mortgage on the inherited property more easily.

Can your wife take your house if it's under your name?

Very doubtful. In most places, by law, the spouse has rights in any real property owned by the other during their marriage. You will not be able to transfer the other spouse's share to another party without their permission and signature.

SPOUSE NOT ON THE MORTGAGE?

31 related questions found

Does it matter if my name is not on my mortgage?

If your name on deed but not on mortgage death, you own the property if one of you dies. You are not liable for the mortgage loan if you do not have a mortgage. However, if your spouse dies, you inherit their interest in the property. The mortgage lender can evict you if you default on mortgage payments.

Can I sue my ex for not paying the mortgage?

You can take legal action against them for breaching the agreement you both made or seek a court order to force the sale of the property. It's important to consult with a lawyer to understand your legal rights and options and to make the best decisions for your situation.

Can a family member take over a mortgage after death?

The right to potentially assume (take over) the mortgage.

All successors in California have a right to apply for an assumption of the loan, as long as the loan is assumable. The servicer may evaluate your creditworthiness, including your credit scores, when considering you for an assumption.

How long do you have to clear a house after someone dies?

There is no set time for when a house needs to be cleared. It is the responsibility of the deceased's family to ensure all items are removed from the property. Once this is done, the house can be sold, with the proceeds then being distributed to all designated heirs.

What not to do when a spouse dies?

Top 10 Things Not to Do When Someone Dies
  1. 1 – DO NOT tell their bank. ...
  2. 2 – DO NOT wait to call Social Security. ...
  3. 3 – DO NOT wait to call their Pension. ...
  4. 4 – DO NOT tell the utility companies. ...
  5. 5 – DO NOT give away or promise any items to loved ones. ...
  6. 6 – DO NOT sell any of their personal assets. ...
  7. 7 – DO NOT drive their vehicles.

What happens if I am on the deed but not the mortgage?

In other words, if your name is on the deed, you are tenants-by-the-entireties, and if one of you dies, the other owns the property entirely. If you are not on the mortgage for whatever reason, you are not liable for paying the mortgage loan. That said, you get your spouse's interest in the property if they die.

Who holds the deed to my house?

The short answer is: You, the homeowner, typically hold the deed to your house, even when you have a mortgage.

Is it better to be on the mortgage or the deed?

Regarding property ownership, two essential documents are the deed and mortgage. Out of these two, the deed is undoubtedly the most important one. It acts as concrete evidence of your rightful ownership of the property.

Is my wife entitled to half my house if it's in my name in California?

In California, the state follows a 50/50 law, which means that any assets that were acquired during the marriage are split equally between both spouses. While this may seem like a fair approach to asset division, it can create problems for individuals who want to keep what's theirs.

Does my husband have to be on the deed to my house?

39;California is one of only a few states that considers marital property to be communal, meaning it belongs equally to each spouse, regardless as to how the item, asset, or property was actually obtained.

Is my wife entitled to half my house if it's in my name in Indiana?

As per Indiana Code 31-15-7-4, unless the property was protected by a prenuptial agreement, any assets that were acquired either during or before marriage are considered marital property and will be included as part of the inventory for distribution.

How long can a house stay in a deceased person's name?

If the property needs to go through the probate court process, the house can stay in a decedent's name until the probate process has been completed and ownership of the property has been transferred.

How much does an estate have to be worth to go to probate in California?

It is here that it is determined if probate is required. If the total of all assets of the estate is below $166,250 or if there aren't any assets that require a complex transfer, the estate may not require a probate in California.

What happens if a will is not followed after death?

A probate court monitors the probate process, which means the probate court can also have an executor removed. You can petition the court to have the executor removed, and once the old executor is removed, the court will find another representative to handle the estate.

Can a mortgage be forgiven after death?

No, mortgage debt isn't forgiven after death. Instead, it becomes the estate's responsibility, and its assets can be used to pay off the mortgage.

Can you inherit a house that still has a mortgage?

If the home wasn't sold by the executor, you may inherit the property – and it may have an outstanding mortgage balance. During the probate process, you or the executor will be responsible for keeping up with the mortgage payments until the estate is settled.

What happens if two people are on a mortgage and one dies?

If the mortgage had a co-signer, the surviving borrower must continue making payments. If the house has been bequeathed to a beneficiary, they must continue making payments or sell the house.

How to legally stop paying your mortgage?

How To Get Out Of Your Mortgage Legally
  1. Talk To Your Lender. Homeowners who find themselves under financial duress are advised to speak with their lender as soon as possible. ...
  2. Sell Your Home. ...
  3. Request A Deed In Lieu Of Foreclosure. ...
  4. Have A Short Sale. ...
  5. Let Your House Go Into Foreclosure. ...
  6. Strategic Default.

Does my husband still have to pay the mortgage if he leaves?

Joint mortgage responsibility

If both spouses' names are on the mortgage, then both must keep paying, even if one leaves. Whether the spouse lives in the home or not, they remain financially tied to the mortgage until they pay it in full or it gets legally modified.

What to do if your ex is still using your address in the UK?

If someone is using your address without your permission, and you're receiving post addressed to someone else, simply write 'not at this address' on the envelopes and post them back to the senders. You don't need to put new stamps on them. The senders should soon stop sending correspondence to your address.