When a co-owner of a home dies in Virginia, the title still has to be updated. If you held with survivorship, clearing a deceased co-owner is usually a straightforward recorded step. Here is how it works, and when it is simple versus when probate applies.
Adding your adult child to your deed sounds free and simple, but in Virginia this estate-planning shortcut gives up control, exposes your home to their creditors, and can raise capital gains tax. Here is why it backfires and what works better.
Buying or refinancing with the loan in your name only, and the title company says your spouse still has to sign? In Virginia a spouse can hold a marital interest even when not on the deed. Here is why that signature is needed.
When you buy a home, the deed says how you hold title, and that choice decides what happens if a co-owner dies, is sued, or wants out. Here are the vesting options in Virginia and how to pick the right one before you sign.
In Virginia, married couples can hold title as tenants by the entirety, which adds survivorship and protection from one spouse's separate debts. Here is how it works and the deed wording that creates it.