How to Change the Title on House When You Are Married

Changing the title on a house when you get married alters ownership rights of the property. Married couples change titles for various reasons; for example, a husband might have purchased his house before marrying and now wants to add his new spouse’s name to the title. There are rules to modifying a house title. Mortgage professionals can help you through the process.

Instructions

1. Call your mortgage provider to see if you can modify the title without refinancing the property. Some lenders have a clause in the mortgage agreement that prohibits title changes. In this instance, adding or removing someone from the title requires a mortgage refinancing.

2. Contact your title company and inform it that you want to add another person to the title. You will need to setup an appointment with the title company to begin the title-change process.

3. Complete and sign a quitclaim deed, which the title company will prepare for you. Complete this form to change the title. Give a description of the property and provide your name and other requested personal information. A section on the quitclaim deed asks for information about the person being added to the mortgage title. Both you and the person whose name is being added sign the document.

4. File the title change with your city or municipality. Once the quitclaim is complete and signed, your title company will submit the changes to the city recorder’s office.

References

• "The Washington Post"; Adding Names to a Title; Mary Ellen Slayter; February 2008
• Lawyers.com: Add a Spouse's Name to Titled Property and Accounts