Why did I sign an Interspousal Transfer Grant Deed for our house?

Full question:

When I married my husband five years ago - he already owned our house and has kept it in his name. Recently he refinanced and I had to sign an Interspousal Transfer Grant Deed (even though I was not on the deed) Why did I have to do this? Have I signed away my right to our house - God forbid we get divorced after 10 years?

  • Category: Real Property
  • Subcategory: Deeds
  • Date:
  • State: California

Answer:

In California, property acquired during marriage is generally considered community property, which means it is owned equally by both spouses. An Interspousal Transfer Grant Deed allows spouses to transfer property between each other without triggering a tax reassessment. It can also be used to change community property into separate property.

Your signature on the deed does not mean you have given up your rights to the house. However, it is important to understand how this deed might affect your rights in the event of a divorce. If you have questions about your specific situation, consider consulting a legal professional.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

The Interspousal Transfer Grant Deed allows spouses to transfer property between each other without triggering a tax reassessment. This deed is often used to clarify ownership interests in property or to convert community property into separate property. It helps ensure that both spouses' rights are recognized in the property.