When buying a house as a married couple, it's generally advisable for both names to be on the deed. Here are some key reasons why: Ownership Rights: Having both names on the deed establishes legal ownership for both partners. This can prevent disputes in the event of a separation or divorce.
California is a community property state, which means that any property acquired over the course of a marriage by either spouse is regarded as belonging equally to both spouses, regardless of who purchased the property.
For instance, if you're married, the most common way to title your home is Tenancy by the Entirety (TBE). That endows survivorship rights, some creditor protection, and allows for transfers only with the consent of both spouses.
Type of owner: married couplesThe most common form of property ownership for married couples is joint tenancy with rights of survivorship, which awards both parties undivided ownership.
Ownership as tenants in common permits owners to jointly own property, but each person's interest may be sold or transferred or passed through inheritance laws.
One of the critical differences between a tenancy in common and a joint tenancy is that a joint tenancy has survivorship rights, but a tenancy in common does not. When one tenant in common dies, his or her interest passes to heirs. In contrast, if a joint tenant dies, the interest passes to the other joint tenants.
For instance, if you're married, the most common way to title your home is Tenancy by the Entirety (TBE). That endows survivorship rights, some creditor protection, and allows for transfers only with the consent of both spouses.
Perhaps the most common way for unmarried couples to take title to real property is as "tenants in common." Unlike a joint tenancy, a tenant in common has no automatic right to inherit the property when the other partner dies.
Joint tenancy with right of survivorship (JTWROS) This is often a common vesting for married couples, but it also applies to family members planning to own a property together.