In Texas, both names should be on the deed. BUT even if one spouse is listed it does not mean that the other spouse could be legal co-owner of the property. It could be community property in Texas.
Texas is one of nine states that is a community property jurisdiction. In general, this means that any property acquired by a couple during their marriage (with a few exceptions) is equally owned by both spouses. This can have a profound effect on the dissolution of property during divorce proceedings.
Joint Ownership and Marital Rights Under Texas Law A key feature of Texas community property law is the presumption that spouses jointly own all assets acquired during the marriage. Therefore, even if your name is not on the deed, you may still have a legal claim to the property.
Utilizing a revocable trust is the best way for a married couple to take title. Titling property in your trust avoids probate upon the death of both the initial and surviving spouses and preserves the capital gains step up for the entire property on the first death.
Tenancy by the entirety refers to a form of shared property ownership that is usually reserved only for married couples. A tenancy by the entirety permits spouses to jointly own property as a single legal entity. This means that each spouse has an equal and undivided interest in the property.
Joint Tenancies In Texas Unlike most states Texas does not automatically recognize joint tenancies as having a right of survivorship. Instead the parties must agree, in writing, to include a right of survivorship. Contact our offices to discuss your situation with our experienced real estate attorneys.
Survivorship Agreements Texas law does not include a presumption of survivorship. In order for survivorship rights to apply to jointly-owned property, the owners must execute a written agreement covering survivorship rights. This must be filed with the county.
Texas is one of nine states that is a community property jurisdiction. In general, this means that any property acquired by a couple during their marriage (with a few exceptions) is equally owned by both spouses.
In a joint tenancy, when one owner dies, their share of the property passes to the decedent's heirs or the persons named in the decedent's will. In a joint tenancy with right of survivorship, when an owner dies, their share of the property goes to the other owners.
Texas law presumes that if two non-spouses are named as co-owners, and nothing more is said, they are tenants-in-common (Est. Code Sec. 101.002). This means they each person owns an undivided one-half interest in the property but there is no automatic right of survivorship.