Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New Jersey

My rights as a previous co-owner

My brother and I shared a title on a property to which I paid $30K as down payment and he pays monthly mortgage. The property was for $305K in 2003. Last year my name was taken off because he had to put my name on the mortgage as well but to this day he didnt. I want to know wht my rights are and how I can get my share plus interest back whn he sells. I want to make sure he cannot sell without my consent. Can I put a lien on the property? How will that help me? What is the best way to make sure he returns my money with the accrued interest? If his wife divorces him, I want to make sure that even if she gets the house, my amount is protected and is returned independent of whether she or him are the owners.


Asked on 7/28/05, 5:32 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Walter LeVine Walter D. LeVine, Esq.

Re: My rights as a previous co-owner

I do not know how your name was removed from the original Deed, if you were named in the original Deed, without your having signed a new Deed to allow this. You could not be removed on his signature alone, so this should be verified. In the same vein, you cannot file a Mortgage without his signature appearing on it. The best I can suggest is to send me a copy of the original Deed to review and a copy of the subsequent Deed. If he did not give you a Promissory Note, you have nothing in writing to confirm you are entitled to interest, if your original funds were regarded as a loan, rather than an equity interest in the property. I suggest getting a Mortgage from both your brother and his wife, plus a Promissory Note signed by both of them, to protect your contribution and then record the Mortgage. I also suggest you consult an attorney as the facts you present are somewhat confusing as to what actually took place, what was intended, and to assure you are covered. You should also verify if you are covered by the fire and liability policy on the house, as is the current Mortgagee.

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Answered on 7/28/05, 12:48 pm


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