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While married, I bought a property, in my name only, nine years ago.

It has been fully paid off for six years.

I want to add my spouse of 20 years as a joint owner on the title.

What is the process for doing this?

Update: I spoke to the original title company, and they will submit a Warranty Deed and will record with the county for $100 including recording fees.

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  • 2
    What country/state are you in?
    – DJClayworth
    Commented Oct 16, 2019 at 2:14
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    I understand exactly why you're doing this, but -- as someone who just went through a divorce -- must warn you to think clearly and cold-heartedly about it.
    – RonJohn
    Commented Oct 16, 2019 at 3:30
  • @DJClayworth, the property is in Utah
    – user1807337
    Commented Oct 16, 2019 at 15:13
  • @RonJohn, yeah man, I get you. Sorry you had to deal with it.. We have been married for 20 year, hopefully it stays that way..
    – user1807337
    Commented Oct 16, 2019 at 15:14
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    I am not familiar with Utah law, but it's also possible that adding your spouse to the title doesn't actually change her interest in the house, but rather will just make things simpler in the event of the OP's death.
    – chepner
    Commented Oct 16, 2019 at 16:18

2 Answers 2

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You go to a lawyer and tell them what you want to do.

You need a lawyer because you want to make sure a transaction like this is watertight. Lawyers know exactly the right way to do this In your jurisdiction.

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File a "quitclaim" deed with the county. Go to your county's website or call the county to get the form. It basically transfers ownership from person or persons to another person or persons. They can probably give you the legal description and notarize the form as well.

You might also call a local title company and see if they can offer any suggestions.

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  • D Stanley, we actually did talk to a title company and they said they would do it. Just that the fee is enormous, 200 bucks.
    – user1807337
    Commented Oct 16, 2019 at 15:23
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    You're basically paying for an hour or two of their time. A lawyer would be even more expensive. I understand the concern from the other answer but if you know the risks then the mechanics aren't that hard. That said, there can be serious ramifications if you get it wrong, so it may be worth the cost of someone's expertise.
    – D Stanley
    Commented Oct 16, 2019 at 15:32
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    200 dollars to transfer ownership of a house doesn't seem like an "enormous" fee.
    – xyious
    Commented Oct 16, 2019 at 15:56
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    @xyious, I would agree wholeheartedly. user1807337, Have you seen how much paperwork is necessary to document this all correctly? $200 seems like a bargain to have some experts do that for you...
    – R. Hamilton
    Commented Oct 16, 2019 at 20:13
  • Yeah.. I will just get it done with the title company..
    – user1807337
    Commented Oct 16, 2019 at 20:43

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