Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania

I live in Pennsylania and recently got married. Prior to marriage, my spouse and I decided to buy a house. To protect myself and since I paid the down payment, we put the house/mortgage loan in my name. If something would happen to me, would my spouse inherit the house now that we are married? Or should we file for transfer of ownership to both of us? If I create a will and ask for the house to be left to him would that be sufficient? I know in PA, there is no inheritance tax to property willed to a spouse.


Asked on 7/09/10, 8:45 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Miriam Jacobson Retired from practice of law

There are several factors to consider when deciding how real estate should be titled. In order to properly answer your questions, a lawyer would need to explore the issues, how you would respond to different scenarios, and then advise you.

Consult a real estate lawyer in your area. It will be a small investment that will protect you and make possible the result you want.

This response is not legal advice, since I do not have all of the information that would be required, and I do not have a representation agreement with you.

* If the answers to your question confirm that you have a valid issue or worthwhile claim, your next step should almost always be to establish a dialog with a lawyer who can provide specific advice to you. Contact a lawyer in your county or township.

* Another reason for contacting a lawyer is that it is often impossible to give a good answer in the Internet Q&A format without having more information. The unique circumstances of your situation and things that you may not have thought to mention in your question may completely change the answer. If you want to be sure that you have a complete answer to your question and an understanding of what that answer means, establish a connection with a lawyer who practices in the area of your concern.

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Answered on 7/09/10, 1:51 pm


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