LAWCHEK� & Lawsonline�
Personal Legal Sourcebooks
"LAWCHEK� Real Estate"

This is not a substitute for legal advice.  An attorney must be consulted.

"This work is protected under the copyright laws of the United States.  No reproduction, use, or disclosure of this work shall be permitted without the prior express written authorization of the copyright owner.  Copyright � 2003 by LAWCHEK, LTD."

BACK TO QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

  Husband and Wife

The law of husband and wife affects the legal rights and obligations of the spouses toward one another and toward the world.  Discussed here is the law of husband and wife as it applies to the ownership and buying and selling of real estate.  Previously the common law limited a wife�s right to own real estate independent of her husband.  Such laws now have been repealed or declared unconstitutional and unenforceable. 

Black�s Law Dictionary, Fifth Edition.

Regardless of the state of residence of either spouse, real estate owned separately by a husband and wife prior to their marriage remains their separate real estate.  The marital status of a person affects his or her ability to sell or convey real estate.  Information pertaining to real estate purchased during a marriage, as well as other information regarding real estate in a marriage, may be found in the following state-by-state breakdown.

ALABAMA | ALASKA | ARIZONA | ARKANSAS | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | DELAWARE | FLORIDA 
 GEORGIA | HAWAII | IDAHO | ILLINOIS | INDIANA | IOWA | KANSAS | KENTUCKY | LOUISIANA | MAINE | MARYLAND 
 MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN | MINNESOTA | MISSISSIPPI | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEBRASKA | NEVADA 
 NEW HAMPSHIRE | NEW JERSEY | NEW MEXICO | NEW YORK | NORTH CAROLINA | NORTH DAKOTA | OHIO 
 OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA | RHODE ISLAND | SOUTH CAROLINA | SOUTH DAKOTA | TENNESSEE 
 TEXAS | UTAH | VERMONT | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON | WEST VIRGINIA | WISCONSIN | WYOMING

ALABAMA
Alabama law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is a tenancy in common unless the conveyance expressly states another type of tenancy is created.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it.  The spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Alabama requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Alabama Code 6-10-3; 30-4-30-31.

ALASKA
Alaska law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is tenancy by entirety unless declared otherwise in the conveyance.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it.  The spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Alaska requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Alaska Code 25.15.060.

ARIZONA
Arizona is a community property state which means that any real estate acquired during the marriage, except for that acquired by gift, devise or descent is owned by both husband and wife.  Arizona law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is community property.  During the marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate separately owned by them.  They have an equal right in community property to sell or bind it.  The spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Arizona requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Arizona Code 25-213 through 215; 33-451.

ARKANSAS
Arkansas law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is a tenancy by entirety.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it, except for a homestead or property held by entirety.  The spouse may have an inheritance right sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Arkansas requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Arkansas Code 12-503.

CALIFORNIA
California law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is community property, and a husband and wife may not separately sell or mortgage such real estate without their spouse joining in the sale or mortgage.  The spouse may have an inheritance right sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  California requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  California Family Code 581, 760, 770, 850.

COLORADO
Colorado law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is a tenancy in common unless a joint tenancy is specifically started in the instrument.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it.  The spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Colorado requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage if a claim of homestead has been made in writing.  Colorado Code 14-2-201 through 207;  38-35-118 and 38-31-101.

CONNECTICUT
Connecticut law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is held as a tenancy in common unless the conveyance states that a joint tenancy is being created.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it.  The spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Connecticut requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Connecticut Code 47-36(a), 466-36.

DELAWARE
Delaware law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is a joint tenancy in common unless a joint tenancy is specifically created.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it.  The spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Delaware law requires that in the case of sale or mortgage both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Delaware Code 25-102 through 124;  25-311, 701.

FLORIDA
Florida law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage creates a tenancy in entirety.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it.  The spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Florida requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Florida Code 689.14; 708.08(1).

GEORGIA
Georgia law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is as a tenancy in common.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it.  The spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Georgia requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Georgia Code 19-3-9.

HAWAII
Hawaii law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is a tenancy in common unless otherwise executed.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it.  The spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Hawaii requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Hawaii Code 321, 510, 572, 573, 560.

IDAHO
In Idaho, during the marriage, the husband and wife may acquire real estate separately, but the spouse has a community property interest in it.  Idaho law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is community property.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may not separately sell or mortgage real estate acquired during the marriage without their spouse signing onto it.  The spouse may have an inheritance right sometimes referred to as �dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Idaho requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Idaho Code 32-903 through 912.

ILLINOIS
Illinois law holds that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is as tenancy by entirety.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it.  The spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Illinois requires that, in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, or real estate held as tenancy by entirety, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Illinois Code 765-1005/1 through 1c; 735-5/12-904.

INDIANA
Indiana law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is as tenancy by entirety.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it.  The spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Indiana requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Indiana Code 32-1-2-18; 32-4-2-1; 31-7-10-2.

IOWA
Iowa law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is tenant in common, unless stated otherwise.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may not separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it.  The spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Iowa requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Iowa Chapter 597.

KANSAS
Kansas law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is tenancy in common, unless otherwise stated.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it, however, the spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Kansas requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Kansas Code 23-203;  59-505.

KENTUCKY
Kentucky law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is tenancy in common, unless otherwise stated.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it, however, the spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Kentucky requires that, in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Kentucky Code 404.010-.030; 381.050.

LOUISIANA
In Louisiana, during the marriage, the husband and wife may acquire real estate separately; however, Louisiana law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is community property. The spouse may have an inheritance right sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Louisiana requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Louisiana CC 2325 onward.

MAINE
Maine law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is in tenancy in common.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may  separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it, however, the spouse may have an inheritance right sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Maine requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Maine T.33, 159, 470-475.

MARYLAND
Maryland law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is tenancy by entirety, unless otherwise created.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it.  However, the spouse may have an inheritance right sometimes referred to as �dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Maryland requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Maryland Fam. Law Art. 4-203, 301.

MASSACHUSETTS
Massachusetts law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is tenancy in common, unless otherwise created.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it, however, the spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage. Massachusetts requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Massachusetts C. 184, 7;  209, 1.

MICHIGAN
Michigan law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is tenancy by entirety, unless otherwise stated.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it, however, the spouse may have an inheritance right sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage. Michigan requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Michigan CLA 557.21, 151;  558.13.

MINNESOTA
Minnesota law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is tenancy in common unless otherwise stated in the conveyance.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it, however,  the spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Minnesota requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Minnesota Code 507.02;  519.02.

MISSISSIPPI
Mississippi law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is tenancy in common, unless otherwise stated.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it.  The spouse may have an inheritance right sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage. Mississippi requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Mississippi Code 93-3-1 onward;  89-1-29.

MISSOURI
Missouri law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is tenancy in common, unless otherwise stated.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it, however, the spouse may have an inheritance right sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Missouri requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Missouri Code 451.250, .290;  474.120, .150.

MONTANA
Montana law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is tenancy in common, unless stated otherwise.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate owned separately without their spouse signing onto it, however, the spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage. Montana requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Montana Code 40-2-106 onward; 70-32-301.

NEBRASKA
Nebraska law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is a tenancy in common, unless stated otherwise.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may not separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it.  The spouse has an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and to be effective the spouse joins in signing the contract, deed or mortgage.  Nebraska requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Nebraska Code 42-201 onward.

NEVADA
Nevada law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is community property, unless stated otherwise.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate held separately without their spouse signing onto it.  The spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Nevada requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Nevada Code 123.030 through .250.

NEW HAMPSHIRE
New Hampshire law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is as tenancy in common, unless otherwise stated in the conveyance.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it, however,  the spouse may have an inheritance right sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  New Hampshire requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  New Hampshire C. 460, 1-2, 5-11; C. 480, 5-9;  C. 477, 18.

NEW JERSEY
New Jersey law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is as tenancy by entirety, unless otherwise stated.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate held separately by him or her without their spouse signing onto it, however, the spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  New Jersey requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  New Jersey Code 37-2-12, 15, 17, 18; 46-3-17.2, 17.3.

NEW MEXICO
New Mexico law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is community property.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate separately held by him or her without their spouse signing onto it, however, the spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  New Mexico requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  New Mexico Code 40-3-1 onward.

NEW YORK
New York law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is tenancy by entirety, unless stated otherwise in the conveyance.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it, however, the spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  New York requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  New York G.O.L. 3-301, 309; D.R.L. 50; E.P.T.L. 6-2.2.

NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is as tenancy by entirety.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it, however, the spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  North Carolina requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  North Carolina G.S. 29-30; 39-, 13; 52-2,10.

NORTH DAKOTA
North Dakota law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is as tenancy in common, unless otherwise stated in the conveyance.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it, however,  the spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  North Dakota requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  North Dakota Code 47-02-01; 14-07-01 onward.

OHIO
Ohio law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is as tenancy in common unless otherwise stated in the conveyance.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it, however, the spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Ohio requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Ohio Code 3103.04-.07.

OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is as tenancy in common, unless expressly stated otherwise in the conveyance.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate held separately by him or her without their spouse signing onto it.  The spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Oklahoma requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Oklahoma Code 43-207, 208; 16-13; 32-8.

OREGON
Oregon law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is as tenancy by entirety.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate held separately by him or her without their spouse signing onto it.  The spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Oregon requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Oregon Code 108.060; 112.685 through .695;  23.240.

PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is as tenancy by entirety, unless expressly stated otherwise in the conveyance.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it, however, the spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Pennsylvania Code 48-32.1; 69-541; 20-2201 through 2205.

RHODE ISLAND
Rhode Island law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is as tenancy in common, unless otherwise created in the conveyance.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it, however,  the spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Rhode Island Code �34-3-1; 34-11-3; 15-4-1 through 16.

SOUTH CAROLINA
South Carolina law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is a tenancy in common unless otherwise stated in the conveyance.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it, however, the spouse may have an inheritance right sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  South Carolina Code �20-5-10 through 30.

SOUTH DAKOTA
South Dakota law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is as tenancy in common unless expressly stated otherwise in the conveyance.   During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate separately held by him or her without their spouse signing onto it.  The spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  South Dakota requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  South Dakota Code �25-2-1 onward.

TENNESSEE
Tennessee law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is as tenancy in common unless expressly stated otherwise in the conveyance.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate separately held by him or her without their spouse signing onto it.  The spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Tennessee requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Tennessee Code �36-3-502 through 505; 66-1-107, 108, 109.

TEXAS
In Texas, during the marriage, the husband and wife may acquire real estate separately, however, Texas law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is community property (see topic �Joint Ownership�).  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate held separately by him or her without their spouse signing onto it.  The spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Texas requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Texas Fam. Code 5.01 onward.

UTAH
Utah law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is as tenancy in common unless a joint tenancy with right of survivorship is expressly created in the conveyance.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it, however,  the spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Utah requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Utah Code 30-2-1 through 3; 78-23-4(4).

VERMONT
Vermont law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is as tenancy by entirety unless otherwise stated in the conveyance.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate separately held by him or her without their spouse signing onto it.  The spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Vermont requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Vermont Code 15-64, 66; 27-141.

VIRGINIA
Virginia law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is as tenancy in common unless expressly stated otherwise in the conveyance.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it, however, the spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Virginia requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Virginia Code 55-35 through 43.

WASHINGTON
Washington law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is community property.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate held separately by him or her without their spouse signing onto it.  The spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate, and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Washington requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Washington Code 26.16.010-.030; 11.04.015.

WEST VIRGINIA
West Virginia law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is as tenancy in common, unless clearly stated otherwise in the conveyance.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate without their spouse signing onto it.  However, the spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate, and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  West Virginia Code 48-3-1 onward; 39-1-5 onward; 36-1-10 onward.

WISCONSIN
In Wisconsin, during the marriage, the husband and wife may acquire real estate separately, but Wisconsin law presumes that real estate conveyed or deeded to a husband or wife during their marriage is community property, except for certain enumerated exceptions.  During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate owned separately without their spouse signing onto it; however, the spouse may have an inheritance right sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Wisconsin requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Wisconsin Code 766.31-.97; 706.02.

WYOMING
During a marriage, a husband and wife may separately sell or mortgage real estate owned separately without their spouse signing onto it.  However, the spouse may have an inheritance right, sometimes referred to as a dower, courtesy, or statutory share, in the real estate and usually the spouse joins in signing a contract, deed or mortgage.  Wyoming requires that in the case of sale or mortgage of the homestead, both spouses sign the contract, deed or mortgage.  Wyoming Code 20-1-201, 202;  34-2-121.

This is not a substitute for legal advice.  An attorney must be consulted.
Copyright � 2003 by LAWCHEK, LTD.

BACK TO QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

 

 

LAWCHEK� Home Lawsonline� Home

Please contact us with any questions or comments by E-mail at webmaster@lawchek.net
Or by phone at 1-800-529-5121

Membership Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
Disclaimer

 

This site produced by enlighten technologies�.
COPYRIGHT � 2007 enlighten technologies�